by Mandy Green, Busy Coach
Let me ask you something: How much time do you spend each week on tasks that don’t directly move the needle in your program’s success?
If you’re like most college coaches I work with, you’re probably juggling everything from team admin, travel logistics, and recruiting calls to planning practice sessions. You’re busy, and sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
But here’s the truth: Trying to do it all is not only exhausting, but it can also keep you from growing your program effectively. When you’re constantly putting out fires, you aren’t able to step back and focus on big-picture strategy and the things that will actually help you build a winning program. And that’s where burnout can sneak in.
So how do you avoid it?
1. Focus on the Right Things
Scaling your program isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about doing more of the right things. This means taking a critical look at how you spend your time. Are your daily tasks contributing directly to your program’s growth? Or are you caught up in the grind of small details that someone else could handle?
2. Delegate and Automate
Building a great program means knowing when to delegate and automate. You don’t need to be the one answering every email or scheduling every practice session. Develop systems and processes so your team—whether it’s assistant coaches, staff, or even student workers—can handle the tasks that don’t require your expertise. Freeing up your time allows you to focus on what really matters: leading, recruiting, and building relationships with athletes.
3. Stay in Your Zone of Genius
Think about the core strengths that you bring to your team. Maybe you’re a fantastic recruiter, a brilliant strategist, or a master motivator. Whatever it is, that’s where you should be spending most of your time—your “zone of genius.” When you stay in this zone, not only are you more effective, but you’ll also enjoy what you do, reducing the risk of burnout.
4. Build Systems for Consistency
Consistency is key in recruiting and coaching. By building repeatable systems for things like communication with recruits, campus visits, or even game day prep, you’ll not only streamline your workload but also create a better experience for your athletes and recruits. Plus, systems make it easier for others to step in and help without a drop in quality.
5. Guard Your Energy
Burnout doesn’t just happen because you’re doing too much—it happens because you’re doing the wrong things. Guard your energy by focusing on high-impact activities that lead to real results. Set boundaries on your time and recognize when it’s time to step back, recharge, and refocus.
The Bottom Line
Growing a successful program isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most. By delegating, automating, and staying in your zone of genius, you can lead your team effectively without sacrificing your energy or well-being.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and finally get your time back, start by creating the systems and support that will allow you to focus on what really moves the needle for your program. I can help you get there.
If you want to set up a call to talk through how to set these things up in your program, email Mandy at mandy@busy.coach and she can talk it through with you.