by Mike Davenport, CoachingSportsToday.com
I’m going to dare you to do something that used to scare the bejeezits out of me.
It’s tough. Draining.
Yet, like daily exercise, the benefits can be profound.
Here’s what I dare you to do …
Ask Yourself A Simple Question
A simple question can be a powerful tool.
Here’s an example. A certain drug manufacturer, who make aspirin, asked themselves a very simple question years ago,
“Why do we always put a cotton ball in our aspirin bottles?”
They had done so for 100 years. Was it time for a change?
Finally, around 1999 they decided to stop putting cotton in their bottles. Originally the cotton was to protect the aspirin pills in shipping, but with new coating on the pills the cotton was not needed. So, all was good, right?
Not so quick. There was a flashback because many customers had come to associate the cotton ball with quality, and childhood memories. Customers complained many bottles of aspirin still have cotton. I opened one yesterday with a big ol ball of cotton in it.
So a simple question, “Why do we do still do this …” had a profound impact on a mega-company. Imagine what impact a simple question could have on you and your coaching.
Up for a dare?
Here’s How To Do It
At the end of your coaching day, find a minute of solitude.
Steal away from the business of your life and grab the writing tool of your choice.
This will only take a moment, but it has been shown to change a coach’s life (mine).
Here are 11 questions. Take one, just one, and answer it. I suggest you write the question and answer down, so you can review at a later date.
What did I do today that only I can do?
Did I give someone my undivided attention, today?
Did I plant any seeds for success, today?
What good did I do, today?
What harm did I cause, today?
Did I crush any dreams, today?
What lesson did I teach, today?
What person did I help, today?
Is my team better today than it was yesterday?
What have I done for my health, today?
Did I engage in a face-to-face conversation today?
Everyone is busy, what was I busy doing today?
Notice the word today in each question … because, they ARE all about today. How you did, what you did, and why you did it today, as a coach.
Answer one question a day for 11 days (or for as many days as you can). And yes, I know there are 12 questions (stuck a bonus in there). Let me know if you feel or see a change. Just blast me an email, and let’s discuss.