When a person wakes up in the morning, they have a choice to live their day with excellence or let the opportunity pass them by.
Gary Schofield, NHSSCA Co-Founder, Athletic Director and Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Strong Rock (Ga.) Christian School, offers profound insights into making every decision count towards a life of excellence. His philosophy is a beacon for anyone seeking to infuse their daily lives with meaning and purpose.
The Pursuit of Excellence
“At the end of every evening, I have a chart that I go down,” Schofield says. “What decisions did I make? What foods did I eat? Were they excellent?”
Self-evaluation is one way to be more mindful of daily choices and continuously strive for improvement. Excellence is about recognizing missteps, learning from them, and setting a course for continuous self-improvement. It’s important to recognize when we fall short and then set a plan to do better the next day. This ritual of self-examination is one way to be more mindful and deliberate about daily choices.
“Wisdom, to me,” Schofield says. “Is the ability to know right and wrong and to recognize when I make those decisions.”
Each decision is a lesson in right and wrong, contributing to a coach’s overall wisdom. Schofield also suggests the only way one can truly develop wisdom is through making right and wrong decisions throughout life. Without taking risks and learning from previous mistakes, it can be difficult to know what decision to make in the present moment. Making tough decisions and trying new things often provides invaluable experience which improves one’s ability to decipher between right and wrong.
The Power Of Discipline
Discipline then, according to Schofield, is the ability to know right from wrong and choose right, even when no one is watching. It’s about a commitment to principles, regardless of external rewards or recognition. This discipline, he argues, leads to perseverance – the ability to persist in doing right, even in the absence of immediate rewards. True discipline means consistently choosing the right path to forge a character of integrity and strength.
Furthermore, Schofield describes how a positive attitude can emerge from perseverance. A positive mindset prevents people from blaming others for their personal circumstances and allows them to focus on what they can give back to others. He highlights the destructive nature of ego and the power of servant leadership. By putting others first, it can create a strong sense of community and teamwork.
“Ego kills talent,” Schofield says. “I’m working really hard to get my ego out of the way so that I can let other people thrive.”
Schofield’s final piece of advice is about passion. He emphasizes that it’s not something to chase after; it’s something to live with. He challenges the notion of pursuing passion in a narrow sense and advocates for a broader understanding of living life passionately, regardless of external validations like fame or wealth. He urges others to find joy and fulfillment in their current pursuits, rather than seeking it in distant aspirations. This perspective encourages embracing the present and finding richness in everyday experiences.
Gary Schofield’s emphasis on excellence, wisdom, discipline, positive attitude, servant leadership, and passion serves as a powerful guide for personal development. His actions encourage reflection, growth, and positive contributions to the outside world. Prompting more people to lead lives that are not just successful, but also meaningful and enriching. Schofield’s approach to coaching is a testament to the power that personal values can have on any person’s life.
