Unnecessary Nag: Breaking The Cycle Of Redundancy

Dear Durable Minds,

I feel as though I am constantly telling my athletes the same things over and over again. It feels like a jeep that is stuck in mud and spinning its tires and never making forward progress. It's so frustrating, what are my options? -Unnecessary Nag

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” - James Humes

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your frustration. As a coach, it's not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where it feels like you're constantly repeating the same instructions and advice to your athletes without seeing the desired progress. It's like a jeep stuck in the mud, spinning its tires but making no forward progress. I understand how frustrating this can be, but rest assured, you're not alone in experiencing this challenge. There are several options you can explore to break free from this cycle and make meaningful progress with your athletes.

Research provides valuable insights into why you may find yourself repeating instructions and offers practical hacks to overcome this issue. Let's delve into some of these key points:

1. The forgetting curve:

   Research shows that humans forget information rapidly unless it is reinforced or reviewed regularly. The "forgetting curve," as coined by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, demonstrates that we tend to forget around 50% of newly learned information within hours or days if it's not reinforced. This phenomenon could explain why your athletes may not retain the instructions you give them over time.

2. Individual learning styles:

   Research has shown that individuals have learning styles that influence their ability to acquire and retain information effectively. These learning styles can be broadly categorized into three types: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic [VAK]:

   • Visual learning occurs best when there is a presentation in a visual format. This learning relies on images, charts, diagrams, and other visual aids to assist in understanding and retaining information.

   • Auditory learning, on the other hand, is received best through verbal communication and sound. Spoken instructions, discussions, and lectures are utilized to absorb and process information.

   • Kinesthetic learning is applied through physical activities and hands-on experiences. Practical application happens best when and athlete can actively engage their bodies and senses.

3. Lack of engagement and motivation:

   Athletes who feel disengaged or lack motivation are less likely to absorb and apply your coaching instructions. Repetitive coaching may exacerbate this issue, leading to decreased focus and enthusiasm.

4. Communication barriers:

   Effective communication is a vital aspect of coaching. If your instructions are unclear, confusing, or overly complex, athletes may struggle to understand and implement them consistently. In addition they may not feel comfortable asking for clarity as it may leave the feeling of incompetence which maybe internalized as embarrassment.

5. Monotony and routine:

   Repetitive coaching sessions can become monotonous and lead to diminished interest and enthusiasm among athletes. When training becomes predictable, athletes may lose focus and fail to engage fully.

By incorporating these insights and implementing the following practical hacks, you can break free from the feeling of repetition and guide your athletes towards meaningful progress.

Remember, coaching is an ongoing process that requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to continuously improve. While it can be frustrating to feel stuck in a cycle of repetition, by implementing these strategies, you can overcome this challenge and create a more impactful coaching experience for your athletes.

1. Incorporate regular reinforcement and review sessions into your coaching program. Set aside dedicated time to revisit key techniques, strategies, and expectations. This reinforcement will help solidify the information in your athletes' minds, leading to better retention and application.

2. Ensure your coaching and instruction incorporate each of the three primary learning styles. Don't try to diagnose their learning style as they are believed to work in synergy, not isolation. Use visual aids like diagrams or videos, provide clear verbal instructions, and encourage hands-on practice. By appealing to diverse learning preferences, you increase the chances of your athletes comprehending and implementing your guidance effectively.

3. Foster an engaging and motivating environment by creating opportunities for your athletes to actively participate and take ownership of their progress. Set individual and team goals, provide regular feedback and encouragement, and celebrate their achievements. Engaged and motivated athletes are more likely to pay attention and retain the information you provide.

4. Focus on clear and concise communication. Encourage your athletes to ask questions and provide feedback so they feel safe when asking for clarity.

5. Inject variety into your coaching sessions. Incorporate different training exercises, drills, and challenges to keep things fresh and exciting. Consider inviting guest coaches or organizing friendly competitions to introduce new perspectives and experiences. Breaking the routine can reignite motivation and make the repetitive aspects of training more tolerable.