Yesterday, we discussed the importance of having a coach to help you discover, grow and focus your natural talents.
Today, we’ll discuss a second reason why having a coach is invaluable to your work, relationships and overall well-being.
Instead of Obi-wan coaching Luke in the far corners of the galaxy, let’s consider another coach in another type of corner.
The Greatest
From 1960 to 1981, Angelo Dundee was the head trainer for the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali. Dundee’s first world champion was Carmen Basilio in 1955. He went on to train Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman (during his comeback) and 15 other world champions.
Sneaking looks at my Sport Illustrated after Sugar Ray’s bout with Hagler when I should have been paying attention in Mrs. Millhorn’s sixth grade math class, Dundee personified “cornerman” to me. This guy knew boxing, and he knew how to coach boxing.
Here was this pugnacious, fiery, little Italian man standing next to some of the most physically fit athletes in the world.
How could this tiny man know so much about boxing? Yet, the bell rang, the round ended and for the next 60 seconds Dundee proceeded to coach his fighter like a wild man.
Not only was Dundee one of the most successful trainers of all time, but he was also known for his kindness. Legendary commentator Howard Cosell once said of him, “Dundee is the only guy in boxing to whom I would entrust my own son.”
There’s much to be said about how one man so influenced some of the great boxers in history. For now, let’s just touch on one very key thing he did do.
A Sounding Board in the Ring
We all have friends, family and colleagues we commiserate with. They know us, we know them. They need help, we’re there to help. And, vice versa.
However, just as we are often too close to the trees to clearly view the forest of our own situation, our close circle is sometimes too close as well. These caring people can be incredibly beneficial, no doubt. Those closest to us offer a valuable perspective into our plans, goals and ideas.
Yet, friends may too often tell you what they think you want to hear.
For example, friends may feel inclined to support your dreams to join the circus and star in your own trapeze act…even though you’re afraid of heights. They want to support and encourage you, but that doesn’t always lend itself to the best counsel.
Similarly, well-meaning family may steer you in a direction they think you should go.
For example, “Uncle Ned” is in real estate, so he knows real estate and advises you to go into real estate. However, your interest in real state may not extend much beyond your current apartment and a once-a-year marathon Monopoly game. (FYI–stay away from Baltic Avenue. It’s a real money pit.)
Both groups are usually exceptionally well meaning, but where do you want to go? Who is your sounding board? Who’s helping you objectively assess, focus and achieve your goals, your next steps?
A good coach does just that.
Your Own Cornerman
Just as a boxer needs another pair of expert eyes watching each round of a fight, we need extra eyes on our own goals and objectives.
It’s just too difficult to slog through three minutes of bobbing, weaving, jabs, hooks and uppercuts and think we’ll always make clear decisions between rounds.
For that matter, life doesn’t give us neat three minute rounds does it? Nor do we get a tidy 60 seconds of rest to catch our breath between rounds a la Queensberry Rules. Hey, sometimes life can feel like 10 or 12 rounds with no bell at all!
Let’s be honest, we often don’t want to change until we feel the pain of not changing. It’s human nature to keep doing what we’ve always done.
The “Who Moved My Cheese?” authors summed it up pretty succinctly several years ago. It feels safer. It feels “less risky.” In fact, that sense of safety is an illusion.
I wonder how many times Angelo Dundee saved one of his boxer’s from a knockout blow by some quick mid-fight counsel?
How many times did he coach one of his boxers to alter his footwork in mid-fight or change his training regimen for an upcoming opponent?
Consider how helpful it would be to have your own cornerman. Someone who can listen to your story, hear where you want to go and help you get there.
Thankfully, we probably won’t have to dodge a Marvelous Marvin Hagler left hook this week. But, when Sugar Ray Leonard faced Hagler in the 1987 Super Fight, a short, feisty Philadelphian stood by Leonard watching every move, helping him every round.
So, who’s your cornerman?
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