“I’d Rather Win At Life Than Win A Game” – Positive Coaching Alliance

FitOldDog's age-group first place plaque in the Raleigh Half Ironman 2013.

Couldn’t resist putting this here; hell, it took me long enough. I’m still training in my 70s, and I love it. Not always easy, but always worth the effort.

A while ago I wrote a post, entitled, “Are High School Athletics And Academics The Road To A Life-Long Love Of Learning?” Can this ever happen in the USA, I wondered, when parents put pressure on coaches to win, win, win, while judging teachers based on their children’s grades? Then I found The Positive Coaching Alliance, which gave me hope.

I am of the opinion, being both a fairly successful academic and an actively competing Ironman Triathlete, in my 70s, that:

1. school and college academic programs would best be designed to foster a love of learning for life, rather than focusing on grades, and

2. that the goal of athletics early in life should be directed towards the creation of a desire to stay in shape and enjoy active involvement in a physical sports into late old age.

Photo of FitOldDog's PhD thesis and his publications.

A forty-year career in science in a nutshell, and I had the time of my life. I’m still approached to consider scientific questions. A great life of learning.

How we shall accomplish this, if ever, I have no idea, but The Positive Coaching Alliance is definitely a big step in the right direction.

It is hard to convey the message that playing the game well is the key.

Whilst winning is fun, it is not the sole objective of sports, as so aptly stated in the video at the head of this post.

Way to go, PCA.

 

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Disclaimer: As a veterinarian, I do not provide medical advice for human animals. If you undertake or modify an exercise program, consult your medical advisors before doing so. Undertaking activities pursued by the author does not mean that he endorses your undertaking such activities, which is clearly your decision and responsibility. Be careful and sensible, please.