What a Difference a Coach Makes
Over the course of the year, I’ll be writing about different coaches and how their coaching techniques can transform lives, at work or at home, in sport or in your personal life.
Different coaches for different folks. The diversity of coaches, their expertise and their coaching techniques transforms lives at work or at play – and in many cases both.
Coaches inspire, motivate, lead, mentor, guide, shape, educate, train, and teach. Some coaching is planned and methodical, while other coaching is on-the-fly. Regardless of the coach or the coaching technique, coaching is a selfless act of genuine care for others. It’s a responsibility where the coach shoulders the role of transforming an individual to achieve their goals.
Coaching techniques go beyond simple tuition
Having coached more than 200 athletes since 2008, Coach Katherine Karrick Gianini has been an integral part in helping athletes to change their lives through sport. She knows all too well what it takes to compete in events. In addition to coaching triathletes and personal training, Coach Gianini is a six-time Ironman competitor, USAT All American, and recently competed (and coached U.S.A. Triathlete Pat Brooks) in the 2019 Triathlon World Championships in Switzerland. As both a Triathlon Coach and Personal Trainer, Coach Gianini leads her athletes to beating their goals. Whether applying her coaching techniques for a specific event or for personal growth, Coach Gianini goes far beyond teaching someone how to just do something. And, for many athletes, participating in sport goes well beyond competing to win.
“I’m the athletes’ accountability partner and motivator. It’s my job to partner with my athletes to identify their major fitness goals and the underlying reasons for having these goals.”Katherine Karrick Gianini, coach & personal trainer
Coaching techniques and the art of goal-setting
She explains that “Usually In the first couple months, we see significant improvements from where we started. Increased confidence is the first sign of progress which turns into a snowball effect, motivating that person even more towards achieving those performance goals. Simultaneously, those underlying reasons for exercising in the first place are exceeded and the result is a healthier, happier, and more confident individual.”
This progress doesn’t come from nowhere and the act of planning out your road to improvement is key. When it comes to preparing for a big event, Coach Gianini offers this advice on goal-setting:
“Succeeding at these smaller goals makes the bigger one seem much more achievable.”Katherine Karrick Gianini, coach & personal trainer
“Know what your ‘A priority’ is. Plan its timeline and strategically include a series of smaller ‘B and C’ priority goals/events along the way. Succeeding at these smaller goals makes the bigger one seem much more achievable. Progress shown regularly keeps motivation high over the course of a year or more. Breaking it down to even smaller ‘mini goals’ each week creates a sense of accomplishment when the ‘Big Goal’ is still months away.”
In-person or virtual?
Gianini suggests that “Virtual coaching may be more challenging to make that personal connection which could be reflected in client motivation or lack thereof. It is imperative that good communication from both the client and the coach is established early, whether it is through regular phone calls, Facetime, video demonstrations, or emails. However, in my experience from both personal and virtual coaching, the athletes I am most physically present with are the ones transforming their lives and adhering to their programs the most”. Regardless of the channel, the value in coaching, whether in sport, work or your personal life, won’t just teach you how to do new things. The relationship and sharing of wisdom can bring significant improvements to your mindset as a whole.
100% (!) so very true; active listening and asking the right questions are so important. RE: Trust...
One of my favorite dynamics being coached or coaching others is establishing full trust. Nothing better than knowing someone is in your corner to take you from good, to better, and ultimately to best! Everybody wins and the depth of satisfaction is infinite for both coach and athlete/employee.
Thank you for taking time to read and comment! Your POV matters!
Tina
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As an athlete and NPC competitor myself I’ve had the opportunity to work along a few mentors and coaches, guiding me every step of the way in my fitness journey. With that, I have learn so much about myself, my passion, what works for me and what doesn’t. Definitely many mistakes that have taken me a step closer to my goals and have made me learn and grow as a person and an athlete at the same time. Being an athlete is a lifestyle and without the guidance, encouragement and support from a coach, it would have definitely taken me longer to get where I am right now. A long long way to go ahead, but extremely happy to have learned from great people who, like me, at some point were guided by someone who walked the same path and learned a different way.
A good coach would make your journey at times even more challenging, but I’ve learned to trust the process, at the end it all becomes so worth it!
Thanks for weighing in! Love hearing your POV as an athlete and NPC Competitor! Yes, coaching DOES push us beyond comfort, which is what great coaches do! Thanks for commenting! Good luck in your 2020 competitions!
Tina
Thanks for taking time to read and share your experience and thoughts.
Tina