Embarking on the path of personal development is a decision that must originate from within the individual. Although this is where the journey begins, it often proves to be the most significant hurdle for those seeking to improve themselves. Logan Jackson, Strength Coach and PE Teacher at Havana (Il.) High School, sheds light on some of the transformative experiences he’s witnessed during his time there. He reveals the “a-ha” moments that some students experienced, which pushed them toward the next level of human performance.
The goal of strength and conditioning coaching is not only to achieve physical gains, but to guide individuals to continually push themselves. Strength training embodies these principles, requiring an unwavering dedication to an ongoing goal of health and performance. Yet, unlocking this mindset in others can present a challenge for Strength Coaches. Jackson’s insights into motivation and pivotal “a-ha” moments offer a roadmap for unlocking an athlete’s true potential.
Coaching To Motivate
Jackson’s interest in strength and conditioning began at an early age. With his journey starting as soon as his dad would allow him, a moment marked by his ability to grow armpit hair. Once this happened, he quickly discovered that weight training was the right fit for him.
“It was a place I could go be alone and do my stuff, whatever I wanted, and see immediate success with strength and size gains,” Jackson recalls. “It was really simple to see: when I worked hard, I had results; and when I didn’t work hard, I didn’t get results.”
The discovery of this passion wasn’t just about lifting weights; it was about finding sanctuary in effort and discipline, a space where hard work directly translates to tangible results. His high school wrestling coach inspired him to pursue coaching after helping him through a difficult time. This personal journey from curiosity to passion highlights the importance of early exposure, positive reinforcement, and intentional coaching in an athlete’s developmental years. It shows how initial results in training can fuel a lifelong commitment to physical fitness.
Even though Jackson’s introduction to strength and conditioning was met with immediate intrigue, he also recognizes the need for diverse motivational strategies. His coaching philosophy is built around the idea that different athletes respond to different styles of motivation and engagement. He chooses to nurture each athlete’s personal goals in a way that resonates with them, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all regimen onto unwilling participants.
“I will look at you and have conversations with you and if you say that you want to have these goals, I’m like, ‘Great, let’s get you there,'” says Jackson. “I’ll get you as far as you want to go, but you have to want it.”
The A-Ha Moment
Perhaps the most profound insights from Coach Jackson’s career revolve around the “a-ha” moments his athletes experience. These breakthroughs, whether they occur in the weight room or during a competition, are pivotal in an athlete’s journey. Jackson recalls examples of athletes who, upon experiencing these moments, transitioned from passive participants to active pursuers of excellence. Many times, these moments arise from naturally-gifted upperclassmen being surpassed by their harder-working peers.
“I remember this freshman wrestler who was an outstanding middle school wrestler and hated weightlifting,” Jackson says. “He was wrestling somebody who was definitely a worse wrestler than him, but so incredibly strong, and that kid pinned him quickly. That match was his ‘a-ha’ moment of, ‘Hey, I need to start lifting weights.’ And then from that match forward, the dude was a weightlifting guy.”
These moments are not just milestones for the athletes but affirmations of Jackson’s impact as a coach, serving as powerful motivators for both him and those he mentors. By allowing athletes to experience these moments for themselves, it provides them with an invaluable lesson they will carry for a lifetime.
“That’s why you teach is to see that ‘a-ha’ moment when they immediately find some pride in what they’re doing.”
Coach Jackson’s story reaffirms the transformative power that dedicated mentorship can have on young people. Through his commitment to understanding and motivating each athlete, Jackson has not only achieved personal fulfillment but has simultaneously empowered countless young athletes to discover and pursue their own passions with confidence and determination. By fostering an environment where pivotal “a-ha” moments can be realized, Jackson shapes successful athletes and instills a lifelong passion for self-improvement. Legacy is not just about the muscles built and records broken but the lives changed through the profound realization that, with hard work and the right guidance, every person has the potential to exceed their limits and achieve greatness.
