Organization: A Few Simple Keys To Success
Dear Durable Minds,
I always seem to be running late. It's usually because I'm trying to find something I need for practice or the game, and the coach gets noticeably frustrated with me. I also get super irritated with other teammates when I'm trying to get out on the ice. I don't want to be frustrated, so what do you suggest? - Discombobulated
“Work done up front will create efficiencies on the back end.”
Dear Discombobulated,
Firstly, you are not the first athlete to come onto the ice "hot", meaning rushing to warm-up or compete. Its apparent that your lack of organization and time management, might be having an impact on your mental preparedness. Athletes who struggle with organization and time management sometimes experience increased stress and anxiety levels before competitions. This can impair their ability to focus, concentrate, and maintain a positive mindset, ultimately affecting their performance on the field or ice.
Disorganization doesn't just affect the individual athlete; it can also impact team dynamics and cohesion. Athletes who are consistently late or unprepared may create tension within the team, leading to frustration among teammates, impacting trust and potentially affecting overall team performance.
Here are some ideas to ensure you are timely and organized:
48 hr. Inventory: This is the commitment to identifying and prioritizing blocks of time that contain specific objectives such as:
Getting prepared for school
Classes
Homework
Attending a practice or game
Dinner
Prepare for bed
Remember to prioritize these objectives incase time slips away and you know you can't accomplish each objective.
Utilize Technology: In today's digital age, there are countless apps and tools designed to enhance organization and time management. Consider using a calendar app and set it up in the most efficient way for you. Here is an example: 1. Schedule your daily objectives. Using objectives maybe less overwhelming in a calendar than listing each task separately 2. Set as reoccurring if applicable 3. Color coat each objective so you can visually identify quickly when on the run. 4. Set a reminder on the objectives that are critical.
Commit To Your Routine: Consistency breeds success. Establishing this daily routine can help streamline your activities and instill a sense of discipline in your life. By adhering to a structured schedule, you'll find it easier to stay on track and maximize your preparedness.
Communication Is Key: Your relationship with your coach, teammates and parents is crucial to your success as an athlete. If you're struggling with time management or organization, don't hesitate to communicate your challenges openly. Your coach and parents can provide valuable guidance and support, while your teammates can offer accountability and solidarity.
As a Coach, leading by example is critical. Here are some ideas to organize your space so it represents your expectations:
They are watching: When an athlete enters your office or equipment room it should provide the necessary example of organization and cleanliness you will expect of your athletes. With everything from dry erase markers, to playbooks, to equipment repair tools you must ask yourself, what it the purpose it is serving and where is its home.
Example: If you have pliers and helmet straps laying out on the desk underneath your papers. Ask yourself:
What is its purpose? Easy to repair helmets before, during or after a practice or game.
Where does it live? In the portable repair kit that is on hand and available to your coaching staff or athlete.
I know it sounds quite elementary, but trust me. When you commit to asking these questions with everything that is not in its proper place, it will become the coveted habit.
Hold accountability to punctuality. If the expectation is to be on time and that time is clearly stated, your job is to hold accountability. Where many teams fail is the behavior of holding accountability to agreed expectations. Remember accountability is not “nagging”, that is micro-management, it is a gift to competency.
Create Support Systems: Establish a supportive environment where athletes feel comfortable seeking help and guidance. Encourage a peer buddy system to help hold accountability to organization. Organization is one of the most important to factors in efficiency and effectiveness.
As a parent, what are your opportunities?
Lead by Example: As a parent, demonstrate the importance of organization through your actions. Encourage punctuality and preparedness among your athletes by modeling these behaviors yourself.
Provide Guidance: Challenge your athlete to come up with a plan to better manage their personal preparedness. Offer practical tips and strategies only after they have attempted to find their own solutions. If they are willing to listen, share your own experiences and lessons learned from managing busy schedules and high-pressure situations.
Look For Creative Ways to Support at Home: This can happen in many ways.
Build an equipment rack or locker for quick organization after a practice and/or game.
Have a laundry basket specifically for their practice and game uniforms.
Have a healthy snack bin filled at the beginning of the week it will support their bodies and provide options on the go.
The list is endless but know the smallest gestures of support can go a long way.
In conclusion, mastering organization starts with a committed mindset to excellence, followed by some simple behaviors, routines or rituals that can propel everyone associated with your team towards greater success both on and off the field. By prioritizing, planning, and preparing effectively, athletes like Discombobulated can unlock their full potential and achieve their athletic aspirations.