The Time Element

It seems no matter what we do there is never enough time, but is that really the case? Lets take a slightly different perspective, from a coaching standpoint in terms of developing the athlete you do have time. You just need to know how to optimize the time you have. To develop an athlete takes time, it is a process that cannot be hurried.

Adaptation takes time. Systematically taking the time to allow the adaptations to take place either in training or technique will be longer lasting and in some cases permanent. Crash programs don't yeild permanent solutions, the ineveitably crash. You can’t force it, the other element of time is timing – when you do what you do. If there is a secret in regard to time it is timing. All the great coaches I have been around have a finely honed sense of timing. They know what to do when. They know what to say and what not say at the correct time.

Time zones are the other element of time. The three time zones are: the past, the present and future. We cannot afford to live in the past; we must learn from and gain guidance and direction by looking back, much  like the rower in a single skull who looks back to gain perspective to go forward. The present time zone is where we work, live and play. That is where will get results so it is important to be fully present and there all the time. The future is just that the future, we can control the future by what we do here and now not by trying to get it to come sooner.

There are no shortcuts, if you do try to take shortcuts you will quickly come to a dead end have to go back anyway. So to make time your friend, slow down and let the body’s wisdom take effect. Rome was not built in a day!