Fun Vs Enjoyment: Navigating “The Grind”
In my previous post, I stressed the significance of infusing joy and fun through competitive games into the long and strenuous season. Essential as it may be, blending fun into every aspect of training is unreasonable. Not all elements of training can be transformed into fun moments, regardless of how much competition or gamification we introduce. How we face these challenging components can make or break an individual’s success and a team’s culture.
I have found that most coaches respond to athletes complaining about arduous training sessions with some version of “deal with it”. Sometimes they make a joke, and other times they give a stern look or call them soft behind their back. However, this is not the most effective way. If your athletes express issues with training sessions, especially to your face in front of the team, it likely indicates that you’re not communicating well. As a coach, face this uncomfortable truth. The role of a coach extends beyond conducting drills or workouts - you are, first and foremost, a communicator. Your job needs to involve framing and explaining benefits when they may not be obvious.
Step 1: Delinking Fun and Enjoyment
One of the first steps in achieving this is to differentiate between "having fun" and "enjoying" something. "Fun" relates to excitement or laughter in the moment. Think of eating a cheeseburger, going on a roller coaster, or playing a good game. In the moment, you’re loving it. Once it’s over, you wish you could go back. “Enjoyment” is about appreciation, usually after the fact. You probably didn’t like it while you did it, but afterwards, you feel pride and a sense of accomplishment that isn’t found when doing something easy. You must explain this idea and not take it as a given.
When explaining this concept, most athletes will already understand it. But invite them to talk about positive and negative examples from their past. This will give you a chance to learn from the source and adjust what’s needed for your group.
Step 2: Clear Communication - Setting Expectations and Soliciting Feedback
Next, before one of these challenging workouts, give as clear an overview as possible of what is to come. Be upfront about the fact that it will be hard and it will suck. Be willing to outline the workout clearly. Tell them the rep count, the length, and the movements. Explain its objectives and importance. (Kindly) use evidence to explain its significance. I know that sometimes, mystery needs to be a part of the session. Maybe your team is clock watching and not pushing themselves when wrestling on the edge or taking breaks at the end of periods. If this is the case, explain why not knowing how long this live go will end is an opportunity for them to learn to turn off their brain and push without considering the clock or the score.
Lay out the expectations of the drill clearly. Explain what is acceptable and what isn’t, as well as what will happen if expectations are not met. Then offer an opportunity for questions and clarification. This approach fosters an environment of mutual trust, respect, and buy-in. With all this knowledge, they will be able to mentally prepare and perform to their abilities.
Step 3: Reflect to Improve
After completing such a challenging workout, take the time to let the team into your workshop. Hold a reflection/debriefing session, whether formal or informal, with team leaders or the entire team. If you've successfully cultivated trust, your athletes will express their candid opinions on what worked and what didn't. Actively acknowledge their feedback and be willing to adjust. You don't have to do exactly what they suggest, but it's essential that they feel heard; otherwise, they will lose their candidness.
We want our teams to care about what we’re doing. We want them to believe in our process. Communicating clearly and allowing space for them will help build the culture you want. A culture of athletes who buy-in no matter what because they trust YOU. They can then relay their experiences and learnings to the rest of the team and future members, making the next session better as the sense of investment deepens among the team.
Recognizing the distinction between "fun" and "enjoyment" and structuring the training accordingly will substantially contribute to motivating athletes even during the deepest of winters. While immediate enjoyment and competition are usually best for learning, a challenge offers gratification and an opportunity to grow in areas thought impossible. The right balance of both will ensure growth in all directions, fostering not only the development of individual athletes but also a truly unified and resilient team.
If you enjoyed, subscribe to have the articles sent directly to your inbox.