SPORT OF REFLECTION #6: Before You Prepare, You Need To PLAN

In preparing for soccer season, a coach whom I look up to and respect taught me that the first step in preparing for the season is that you must PLAN.

Before you laugh at me and remind me that I coach eight and nine-year-old girls in soccer, I want to tell you this is an important stage in the development of young soccer players. I take a lot of pride in teaching the basic fundamentals of the game. If done right, it will set them up for long-term success. Think about what you are successful at right now. If you look back, there was a time when you had to spend time learning the fundamentals.

To make sure I am on the right path, I need to plan. The more detail I have, the better plan I will have and the better I can prepare.

Whatever your next endeavor is, take the time to plan. Consult with people you trust. Construct your plan, and know your desired outcome. What is the end goal, and what does the performance look like? Can you visualize the desired outcome? From there, once your plan is ironed out. You can now begin the process to prepare.