The more I coach, the more I realize that sports is about giving. Athletes give their time, effort and attention. Coaches give encouragement, hope, and even love.

It’s not perfect. Nothing in life is. Better to try than not to try.

“Give what you have,” said Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “To someone it may be better than you dare to think.”

What powerful words. He was a poet for sure!

Coaches can give in all kinds of ways. They can see the person behind the athlete. They can become a trusted ear. They can pay attention to all athletes, not just with the stars.

Anonymous words of praise can work wonders. I’ll see one of my athletes in the corridor, and say, “One of your teachers was complimenting you today.”

“Which one,” the student is sure to ask.

I don’t tell. Let them wonder. Let them feel it could have been anyone.

Said coaching legend John Wooden, “You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

You have a simple way to achieve what Longfellow said about affecting someone more “than you dare to think.” Just increase your opportunities. The more often you give of yourself, either with an action or a kind word, the better chance you have of making someone else’s day.

Go ahead, Make their day.