How to get your team (or child) to play with heart

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Have you ever heard this quote before?

“You teach what you know, but reproduce what you are.”

I definitely agree with it and it’s quite powerful when you think about it.

Just the other day I was thinking about this concept of playing with HEART. Most people agree that talent is not enough. You have to have heart.

Interestingly enough, we want our kids to play with heart and yet we’re afraid to coach (or parent) with it.

At least I know I’ve been. Many times, in fact. It’s something I deal with on a regular basis. I don’t always get it right. If you’re a parent, I’m almost certain you’ve had instances where your head WARed with your heart.

What usually wins?

This happens with coaches too.  Something’s burning inside, and yet you don’t do it.

Of course, we’re fed these ideas that the heart is foolish. That we need to THINK before we act. Now, I’m not saying be impulsive or irresponsible. But so often we make decisions about which way to go out of fear.

We’re so dang scared we’re going to mess up. Because your team matters to you. Your kids mean the world to you. So you play it safe. You play not to make mistakes, not to lose. You let “logic” rule your heart. You let others tell you what you *should* do.

But that keeps you from being as great as you’re meant to be.

And makes it tougher for your kids to play with heart. It makes it tougher for your kids to truly pour their heart and soul into what they do. Because, whether you realize it or not, whether you want to or not, you send the message that playing with heart is scary, and not safe enough for you do to consistently.

“You teach what you know, but reproduce what you are.”

Play with heart. Lay it all out. Don’t hold anything back. You can “teach” it and preach it all you want.

But if you won’t do it, how can they?

I know it’s scary as heck. I’ve been there. I am there. There will be more moments in the future where you and I will be there again. But it’s so amazing what can happen when you stop playing scared and stay true to you.

If you want your kids to play with heart, lead with heart <3