Generational Change

It doesn't Happen by Accident

Being better than what we received

Is what cycle breaking is all about

We are all like a sophisticated beautiful fingerprint
In that way, we are all both generic and unique

I didn't have the benefit of growing up
With a father or stable mother
That showed up for me
When that was needed

The combination of things that I had
Would be considered privileged by some
Or deficient by others compared to what they had

Gratitude really does change the outlook on everything
We need to do our best to recognize and use what we have
As well as finding gratitude for the best parts of what we've been given

I was born with an incredible sports body
I just didn't have any sports coaching
Or encouragement or discipline
From my broken family

I didn't quite get the external help or motivation
That I'd have needed to be excel at sports earlier in my life
Despite being born with so many physical gifts, I failed to develop discipline

I was what I might call a "huge waste of talent" - the idea makes me cringe
It was with great care that many men close to me gently showed me this truth
This was not an easy thing for me to accept by any stretch of impossible imagination

The book, "Heaven is a playground" is a basketball story about exactly this topic

Through my own search for meaning
I enhanced my own athletic abilities
I was a sports coach for many kids

Especially for my own son I became a sports coaching hero
My kid is an athletic super stud - I honed my experience with hundreds before him
Some of my players liked me and some of them thought I was the opposite of helpful

Fostering my son's agility development experience and embracing common sense
Around rest, teamwork, personal development and practice repetitions
All the things found inside skilled team sports and play
I've arguably done best service for my son and myself
As well as all of my residential communities

I didn't set out to be a sport coach
But I have arguably made impact
Stronger with that vocation
Than all my other jobs

To think that sports kids aren't also smart is pure tomfoolery
My kid gets straight A marks - this is not a substitute for academics
We pursue our athletics in a very thorough and academic methodology

You don't have to be athletic or sporty but it's not a bad idea
Keeping self healthy will help you live a longer happier life
That is what accelerating sports is all about

Being sporty for a kid is huge
It's about developing personal confidence
It's especially about creating a platform for experimentation
That platform includes learning sportsmanship and social grace
My son recently thanked his stars for having parents who "do sports"

Doing sports is not about being the Prom King or beau hunk
I know it can devolve into that and that is a twisted priority
It's not about scholarships or being a pro jock or athlete

My message is about longevity, health, confidence and exploration
No matter what it becomes and no matter how it is seen by others
My body is 50+ years of age and I'm still quite healthy and nimble

That is what we are doing here. That is why I'm writing this book.

One of the soccer coaches first told me she's 21 years old
Then after giving me a good up/down she says to me
"Seems like you still have a little something left in ya"

How do you think that made me feel?
I will have you know It made me free great
But I don't do this for occasional compliments

I do this so I can bounce up a flight of stairs
Without hurting myself or being out of breath

I do this because I love my life
I have a theory that I can live
To 120 years in the absence
Of unforeseen circumstance

Be that human health ninja
Be that person who gets compliments
From a kid half your age - opt out of unhealthy consumerism
Your doctor isn't who is going to live your life and does that person even do yoga?
Showing up bigly for yourself or your kid - having a spry way - these are unmistakable
Your answer is not in your words - it's in your response to conditioning - I believe in You

Lesson Summary

Generational change does not happen by coincidence. It involves being better than what was received, which is the essence of breaking cycles. Each individual is like a unique fingerprint, both generic and distinct. Gratitude alters perspectives significantly, enabling us to acknowledge and leverage what we have while being thankful for our blessings. Despite not having the ideal upbringing, one can find success through self-discovery and improvement.

• Recognition of available resources and gratitude are pivotal.
• Having innate talents may necessitate external support for development.
• Accepting one's shortcomings is essential for growth.

Becoming a sports coach allowed for personal growth and impacting many lives positively. Sports involvement is not solely about physical prowess but also enhances confidence and social skills. Academic excellence and physical health can complement each other, leading to a successful and fulfilling life. By emphasizing longevity, health, and self-confidence, one can make a lasting impact.

• Sports participation fosters personal development beyond athleticism.
• Academic achievement and physical fitness can be pursued concurrently.
• The focus is on well-being, confidence, and exploration.

Engaging in sports activities is not solely about competition or recognition but about personal satisfaction and well-being. By investing in health and physical vitality, one can lead a fulfilling life regardless of age. The goal is an active and healthy lifestyle, with the potential for a long life due to self-care and dedication to fitness. Choosing to prioritize personal wellness and vitality over materialism can lead to a more fulfilling life, both physically and mentally.

• Physical activity contributes to quality of life and longevity.
• Personal health and vitality take precedence over material pursuits.
• Maintaining fitness and agility improves overall well-being.

Believing in oneself and committing to a healthy lifestyle can lead to a vibrant and fulfilling life. Prioritizing personal well-being and embracing physical activity can pave the way for a brighter future and a healthier, more vibrant life.