Lead by Example, Practice What You Preach

One thing I’ve realized over the years—especially working with youth—is that they don’t do what you tell them… they do what they see.

You can preach hard work, discipline, and focus all day long, but if you’re not showing up with that same energy, it’s going in one ear and out the other. Kids mirror actions, not words. They’re watching how you carry yourself, how you respond to adversity, how consistent you are. That’s what sticks with them.

As coaches, mentors, and role models, we’ve got to hold ourselves to a higher standard. You can’t expect a kid to lock in on their goals if you’re half-stepping yours. You can’t talk about effort and consistency, then show up late and unprepared. It doesn’t work like that.

Whether we realize it or not, we’re setting the tone. If we lead with effort, they’ll follow with effort. If we lead with excuses, that’s what we’ll get back.