10. Easy on the pep talks

I can get pretty excited about a goal. I can explain it, show the evidence, and talk about it until everyone would appreciate a little quiet.

The athlete still has to want it.

I believe motivation belongs to the person doing the work. My job is to create an environment where they have reasons to care: a goal that means something to them, teammates they want to show up for, work they understand, and progress they can recognize.

I want to find out what matters to the kid. It might not be the thing that got me so excited.

That seems like useful information to have before my next speech.