Finding Your Purpose: Tips and Strategies for Athletic Leaders
Finding your purpose requires some self reflection and thought. It may be something that seems unattainable. But, allow yourself to consider what could be, instead of allowing yourself to build roadblocks on your path to finding purpose.
For example in your role as an athletic leader if your purpose is truly to impact and positively influence the lives of others. What are you doing to intentionally accomplish your purpose? You have to be intentional, but what does that mean? If you want to build your culture you must commit your time. Your time is the most valuable commodity you have. Intentionality means committing time to your goals, objectives and purpose.
Allow yourself time to reflect and explore without limiting your thoughts. Take time to travel uncharted passions and opportunities. When you have purpose, passion, and commitment anything is possible and sometimes pursuing your thoughts leads you into new opportunities you might not have even thought of.Try these strategies to find your purpose and accomplish goals you might have thought impossible.
- Slow Down & Reflect
As an athletic leader, it's important to remember that rest is just as important as work. Take time to reflect on your journey and recharge. Slow down and give yourself permission to rest. Reflect on your accomplishments and the progress you've made so far. Use this time to assess your goals and refocus your energy on what truly matters. When you take the time to slow down and reflect, you'll be better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead with a clear and focused mind. Remember, rest is not a sign of weakness, but rather a crucial component of success. So take a deep breath, relax, and recharge. - Be in the Moment
Stay present and focused on the task at hand. One way to do this is by immersing yourself in the present moment. Allow yourself to fully experience the moment and be present in the here and now. By immersing yourself in the present moment, you'll be better equipped to perform at your best. When you're fully present, you can tune out distractions and stay focused on your goals. Remember, every moment is an opportunity to grow and improve. So, take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the present moment. - What Makes you Happy
Stay motivated and focused on your goals. One way to do this is by becoming aware of the things that bring a smile to your face These may include movies and books that resonate with you deeply, people who inspire you, things that bring you joy, what you loved to do as a child, and things that make you forget - make time stand still. Take a moment to reflect on these things and use them to fuel your purpose. Let the memories of what makes you smile remind you of why you started on this journey in the first place and help you stay committed to your goals. Remember, the most successful leaders are those who are motivated not only by their abilities, but by their passion and love for what they do. - Explore your Frustrations & Pain Points
Reflect on issues or policies in your role as a leader that frustrate you, push your buttons, and make you want to scream. Instead of letting these emotions consume you, use them as motivation to push harder, strive for excellence, and make a positive impact on those around you. Channel your frustration into action and let it propel you towards greatness. Remember, the greatest leaders are those who are fueled by their passion and driven by their desire to make a difference. - Make Time to Focus on your Purpose
Make time to focus on your purpose. In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and lose sight of our bigger goals. By carving out time to focus on your purpose, you can gain clarity and direction on what you truly want to achieve. Use this time to reflect on your values, set goals, and make a plan of action to move forward towards your purpose. Remember, your purpose is what drives and motivates you. By making it a priority in your schedule, you can stay connected to your passions and stay on track towards achieving your goals. So, make time in your busy schedule to focus on your purpose. It's the key to staying motivated, focused, and committed to your athletic journey. - Schedule your Time & Commit
Being intentional about how you schedule your time and committing to that schedule is crucial for success. Without a clear plan and dedication to follow through, it's easy to get sidetracked and lose focus on your goals. By scheduling your time with intention, you can prioritize your tasks and allocate your time in a way that maximizes productivity and progress towards your goals. This means setting clear deadlines, creating a daily routine, and holding yourself accountable to follow through on your commitments. Remember, success isn't just about what you do, but how you do it. By committing to your schedule and being intentional with your time, you can ensure that every moment counts towards achieving your athletic goals. So, take the time to schedule your time with intention and commit to following through on your commitments. It's the key to achieving your athletic dreams and living your best life. - Reflect on Memories and Experiences
It's important to stay connected with your past and the things that inspire you. Take the time to explore your memories and remember the things that you used to love doing before life got in the way. Think back to the hobbies, sports, and activities that used to bring you joy and fulfillment. Ask yourself, "What did I love to do before I got too busy/tired/old/broke to enjoy it?" Revisit those things and see if you can integrate them back into your life in some way. Use those memories to motivate and drive you forward in your leadership pursuits. Remembering what inspires you and the things that you wanted to achieve in the past can reignite your passion and help you stay focused on your goals. So, take a trip down memory lane and rediscover the things that make you happy and motivated. Use those memories to fuel your drive and stay committed to your journey. - Take Action
Take action towards your purpose, no matter how small the step may seem. Doing something, anything, can ignite the fire within you and keep you moving forward towards your goals. There are many small actions you can take that can make a big difference. Make a phone call, attend a meeting, or do some online research. These small steps can lead to big breakthroughs and can keep you on track towards achieving your goals. Consider starting an online group to connect with like-minded individuals who can help support and encourage you in your athletic pursuits. This can help you stay motivated and focused, even when things get tough. Remember, progress is made by taking consistent action towards your goals, no matter how small those actions may be. So, take that first step today and ignite the fire within you to achieve your athletic dreams.
"Intentionality is the bridge that connects your goals to your reality. It means committing the time and effort necessary to turn your goals, objectives, and purpose into success." ~ Scott Garvis
About Scott Garvis, CMAA, Bound AD in Residence
Scott Garvis has been a leader and innovator in intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics development and fundraising for more than 25 years – as an athletics director, coach, association board member, adviser and editorial contributor.
Scott has a record of excellence as Athletics Director, Director of Activities and Assistant Principal, having led the athletics departments at six high schools or school districts in three states. He has achieved unparalleled success at all levels of high school athletics: large public school districts, a small public high school, a private school, and with state and national athletics administrator associations.