Many of us certainly don’t feel like we have accomplished enough toward getting things done. Although I’m not one for resolutions, to be effective, there should be goals to accomplish and items to achieve.  Most of us have those just as we have the good intentions of getting things done

Of course, many people get caught up in the day-to-day items that pop up and end up dominating our time and attention. Even those with the best intentions can be inadvertently caught having to put out the fires of the day and lose sight of the bigger picture or prize that we want to achieve.

That’s why it is good to take a step back and see what we need to do to reach our ultimate goal and know where we are.

So, accept this as a casual coaching check-in.

• Where are you in making progress toward your goals for the year?
• What additional resources do you need and what steps have you taken to secure them?
• Are there others who can help you?
• Have there been any unexpected barriers encountered so far?

Don’t worry, on the 28^th of February, the year will only be 16.2 percent complete so there is still time.

#6 is one to watch

Jack is the youngest and smallest player on the team.  He has enjoyed the sport immensely and no matter the circumstances, goes to practices and games and does what is asked.  Although there are times when I sense some hesitation going into the fray with boys who may have a foot in height and dozens of pounds on him, the skill development over the season has been great and his confidence has grown along with his skill.

Over the past 3 weeks (out of the 12 week season) Jack has shifted positions to play attack.  This position is set nearest the opposing goal and often represents the leading scorers on a lacrosse team.  Despite several shot attempts in each of the last few games, none had gotten by the goalie (except for two that hit the post and bounced out!)  As the last game was upon the team, the three captains (all 8^th graders on this middle school team) decided that Jack needed a goal and they were determined to help get him one.  They kept feeding him the ball and even passed up shots that they could have made so that Jack would have the opportunity to put one in the net.  Finally, in the 3^rd quarter, a shot found its mark and went in.  The celebration on the field was only rivaled by the celebration of Jack’s mother (my extraordinary wife) on the sideline!  This one goal has really inspired Jack to continue his work in the sport.  Jack is set to attend a lacrosse camp this summer and commented to me that he is determined to become a great attacker so that his team can win all the time.