7 Habits of a Grateful AthleteSample

GRATEFUL ATHLETES ARE COACHABLE 

A few days ago we mentioned the shortcomings of the disciples when they expressed frustration that children were coming to see Jesus. The disciples were far from perfect. But they did have a few commendable moments in their lives. Perhaps the greatest was their willingness to drop everything in their lives to follow Jesus. When Jesus said “Come and follow me” they listened and responded. In short, they were coachable. 

Coachability is crucial in becoming a grateful athlete because it flows from a humble heart that admits: “I don’t have all of the answers and I need help.” 

Grateful athletes listen to the advice and instruction from their coaches and, when appropriate, from their fellow teammates. They realize they do not have all of the answers. Even if they disagree with input given, it will not keep them from listening with humility—and at least testing it out on the field. Grateful athletes have an appreciation of the authority they currently sit under and they have a desire to soak up any knowledge given to them. Are you coachable? An easy way to find out (this requires some courage) is to simply ask your coach if you’re a coachable athlete. 

Today’s Gratitude Challenge: Ask your coach today for one thing you can be doing to get better—on or off the field. Listen. Don’t push back. Thank him or her. And then start doing it!