children
What Really Matters
Having just survived the holidays, some are making NY resolutions. I ask that maybe this year we could let go of the minutia, cast away the petty disagreements and squabbles; and resolve to matter. What if for one year we tried to honor yesterday and shape tomorrow?
Read MoreAfter The Cartwheel: Part 2 of 2
In gymnastics we develop skills over long periods of time. We sometimes lay the groundwork for skills by doing drills years before they may utilize what they learned for a particular skill. Complicate that with normal ups and downs of training, goals being realigned, and even sickness/injury/vacation costing training time and it can seem like learning a skill takes forever.
Read MoreMy nose starts right here
We struggle every day. We stay open because, in our minds and the minds of our families, we feel that we are an essential business. Providing kids a physical outlet helps them stay healthy both physically and emotionally. It allows them a small bit of social interaction in a controlled environment, and that is essential. We are as clean as any doctor’s office, safer than any “essential” store, and even more than that; we care about our kids. Your kids.
Read MoreThe Mountain Top
No one said the road would be easy, but if the dream is worth attaining, then a difficult journey will only raise the value of the dream. We encourage them to work through setbacks and keep their focus on what is in front of them. The feeling of return after a setback is one of the most fulfilling feelings a person can experience if we allow it to be. We, as leaders, must stay in front of them as they tread the difficult parts. Reminding them that they will be stronger for fighting through.
Read MoreHow you do anything is how you do everything
At Gymfinity we cleaned and cleaned again. We developed stringent requirements that our staff would operate by, we closed when we were told to close and didn’t open until we were told we could. We stayed below the required percentages of people allowed on site and we enacted so many protocols that rather than a gymnastics program that has safety procedures, we are feeling like a safety procedure company that has gymnastics as a side gig. But we did it, because, as we often tell the children, we’d rather suffer doing right, than prosper doing wrong.
Read MoreWhere is the rock to stand upon?
I wanted a program that was based on character and used gymnastics as a vehicle to help kids grow and determine their own potential. I wanted to help them surpass what they perceived were their own limits. I knew that if I could share my passion that the math would work itself out.
Read MoreMaking Decisions is a Skill to be Taught
We, as coaches, or even as parents have a responsibility to guide and teach. Many young parents opt for the efficiency of pushing their kids in the right direction to avoid delay, or save a child from mistakes. Kids without skinned knees have such anxiety when they have to face the real world, because they haven’t learned how to get up after falling.
Read MoreWhat I learned from a dog named Kumo
I have always believed that we have to accept life as a game. Accepting whatever happens as a challenge. If we can overcome it, we win a point. I think every person can handle more than they ever thought they could. Because, just like a game, when the challenges just keep coming, we become better players.
Read MoreHow do we help kids be successful?
Many of the skills and traits we try to pass along are not tangible. They cannot be posted on Instagram, they cannot be shown to the neighbor over the backyard fence. I would argue though, that they are on full display. What then are we charged with developing? Here are my top 6.
Read MoreHow sharper than a serpents tooth it is to have a thankless child
One of the biggest hot topics in the business world, at least my part of it, is about setting an “attitude of gratitude” in the workplace. I have long been a believer in this focus not only at Gymfinity but in my house and with my teams. The culture that this perspective sets will be one of success and happiness and keep your mind in tune with just how fortunate we all are and that we have a lot to be thankful for. In King Lear Shakespeare says “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” So here are a few thoughts on gratitude to help us avoid the serpent’s tooth.
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