Criticism is a pathway

No one likes receiving criticism. It hurts. It makes us question our abilities, whether or not we’re good enough, or even if we should bother.

What if I told you it was an opportunity; a golden ticket to a greater you. Now ask me what stands in your way. It’s you. 

Criticism is hard because our egos don’t like to take a bashing, especially when we're in a room surrounded by our teammates. It might even feel like the coach has it in for you and, in rare cases, this may be true. But let me tell you this, the day the coach stops ‘hassling’ you is the day you should be worried. Why should they put their energy into someone who refuses to make changes when there are others who could benefit?

Here’s an example. For me, telling and showing someone what I need from them have equal importance- some people learn from listening, others by seeing and doing. So, at AEC, when I train my S2’s the first half hour is always the same; this includes a tumble circuit. In that circuit they get told and shown exactly what they need to do to improve/ master their BHSs and how it links to the scoresheet. I value it as one of the most important things I do in the session. The impact has been incredible. The expectations are clear because, if adjustments aren’t made, they know I only need a certain amount of tumblers to perform the skill in the routine. That way

it’s not personal and they can have no real argument if they’re pulled from that section. It’s also fostered a healthy competition amongst them; I have more tumblers than I had at the beginning of the season and could achieve max by Nationals, which is great! 

It’s not always plain-sailing though. I’ve had conversations with athletes about making adjustments, they’ve then told me they don’t care and walk off. I could get angry but that’s a them problem and comes down to their fixed mindset- you can’t grow if you don’t try to. But in those situations you have to think about who it is you’re sabotaging. Tumble is hard, you have to be willing to put the work in and swallow your pride, occasionally. Coaches want you to improve, what benefit is there in not trying to help you achieve your goals?

So, if you are one of those athletes who gets frustrated, bites back, or becomes a vibe vacuum when you receive criticism. Take a second and listen to/ watch what you’re being asked to do and actually try to implement the changes MORE THAN ONCE. When you pull the shutters down you can’t be reached; then it’s you who suffers. Being annoyed or embarrassed doesn’t make you a bad person, it makes you perfectly normal. BUT the outcome of that situation is down to you. 

If you’re serious, you’ll listen and, eventually, it’ll happen.