Having worked closely with hundreds of athletes and their parents and coaches from all over the world, this experience has given me an understanding of the patterns and behaviors that can predict success or failure, and insight into how we can do a better job to help the next generation.
We need to stop screwing up our kids, now!
Often without conscious intention, we place demands and pressures on our children to perform and behave in a particular way to meet our expectations. The number of children who never quite achieve their potential or who lose their motivation and desire for something they once loved is heartbreaking, but far worse is our ignorance to the role we play in the tragedy. By understanding the power of intrinsic motivation in unlocking human potential and adjusting our behaviors and communication patterns with our children, we can literally change their lives and their futures.
We have a significant impact on the physical, emotional and social development of our children. Providing an environment that promotes autonomy and authenticity, as opposed to controls and constraints, can make a real difference in their interest, level of motivation, and general well-being.
Coaches, parents, mentors can learn strategies to nurture self-actualization which in simple terms means that children are true to themselves, and not complying to the demands and pressures of others.
