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Learn it, Build it, Rip it!!!

Regardless of what your pursuit is in life, everyone is basically looking to separate themselves from the competition.  In my daily encounters with the athletes I train, I know that they are always looking for that extra edge that they can use in competition.  As a coach, I’m always looking for some simple techniques I can teach my athletes that can help them gain that edge and utilize in all aspects of their lives.  One simple idea I teach is, “Learn it, Build it, Rip it.”

Whenever I teach a skill, the first step is always to learn it.

1.  Learn it:  This is skill initiation and takes a high degree of focus.  We stress and expect full attention during skill acquisition and most of the time the skill is walked through or done at a low speed.  We are looking to build muscle memory.  As the athlete is able to perfect the skill at it’s simplest level, we add speed, resistance, and other stimuli to add difficulty.

2.  Build it:  As we gain confidence, we build on the skill and add links.  We visualize all the techniques we teach as being part of a chain.  As we learn, we build links and in turn, the athlete builds confidence.  As the athlete builds confidence, they aren’t preoccupied with making a mistake but are immersed in the drill.  Some simple ways we build a drill is by walking through the drill, doing the drill half speed, then eventually moving through the exercise full speed.

3.  Rip it:  This is the final stage when the athlete really understands the drill and is able to rip through it.  At this stage we incorporate more sports specific stimuli such as a ball being tossed to the athlete or other objects that provide resistance or an additional challenge.  When our athletes are at this stage it is fun to watch because everything is happening so fast and the athletes are really able to let it rip!!!

Confidence is key and we stress being able to build success at each level of skill acquisition.  By breaking the skill down into its rudimentary parts the athlete is able to master the movement, build confidence, and gain an added desire to take on more difficult tasks.  I have seen this first hand in the gym and in the classroom.

Rip it up!!!

Coach Brader

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Athletes Inspiring the Coach

Hank Hayes and Jason Brader with the Dieruff High School Football team.

Yesterday my business partner Hank Hayes and I had the pleasure of speaking to the football players at Dieruff High School.  As many of the locals know, Dieruff hasn’t had much success recently on the gridiron.  Hank and I wanted to give the students a little spark as they finish up the school year and begin their spring football drills.  To say that I left there fired up is an understatement.  Not only did I get jacked up after Hank closed out the speaking engagement but I was inspired by the different stories some of the athletes shared with us.

It feels like yesterday that I was a high school athlete that was going through the daily struggles of being a teenager.  During my high school years I was like most typical teenagers looking to make friends, meet girls, and build my reputation as an athlete.  Along with these things I also had the burden of taking care of my parents who were both battling cancer.  It was often difficult to cope with the daily highs and lows associated with cancer while balancing my own life.  I often wished I had someone I could go to for guidance, mentorship, or just to talk about what I was going through.  Unfortunately this never happened and my brother and I were basically on our own with dealing with our hardships.  Because of the struggles I went through, I jumped at the opportunity to work with Hank Hayes who also has a unique life story.  Since Hank and I met, we have been speaking to various groups and sharing our stories and life strategies that have helped us overcome adversity to build successful lives.

Yesterday after we finished our talk we interviewed several of the rising seniors and to say I was impressed is an understatement.  Hank and I were blown away with some of the stories these young men shared.  Some of the same struggles we encountered 20 years ago these young men were currently fighting through.  It is easy to get caught up in the win loss column and say that Dieruff doesn’t have winning athletes but after yesterday, I can say that they have a team of winners.

In today’s tough economic times, drug riddled streets, and the increased gang activity in Allentown, it is easy for a struggling adolescent to take the easy route and give in to these pressures.  A couple young men shared with us how they had lost parents to cancer, were homeless living in hotels, and were struggling with just the basic necessities most of us take for granite.  It really hit close to home because as I listened to these young men speak about what they learned from us and how they could relate our lessons to their own lives, I could picture myself 19 years ago in high school.  I was once much like these young men and had the same fears, hopes, and dreams.  I also wondered if I had what it took to become a success.  After hearing how these young men are pushing themselves through their personal struggles, working hard to achieve their goals, and learning the life skills necessary for success, I have no doubt they will make it and become the person they dream of being.

A couple lessons I learned from the students and Hank are the following:

  • Courage- You will be scared of what’s unknown but you need courage to face the obstacle and overcome
  • Flexibility- Life throws a bunch of challenges at you and it is up to you to have the flexibility to adapt, overcome, and persevere regardless of your age or current ability level.  You must achieve and you need to do it now.
  • Persistence- Life isn’t a one round fight, it’s a new round everyday and we need to keep punching.  When you feel you can’t punch anymore, you need to dig deep and give it everything you got.
  • Resilience- People are built tough and sometimes we underestimate people for various reasons.  I was amazed at the different stories the athletes shared and how they were able to pick themselves up everyday and keep on plugging away.

After our presentations I always feel great that I was able to give some inspiration to all those in attendance.  After our visit at Dieruff, I was even more excited because I was able to draw some inspiration from the athletes and the coaches.  They are going to have a tremendous challenge ahead of them as they rebuild the winning tradition.  Although it will be a challenge, I feel that they are well on their way because of the great attitude the coaches and students possess.  As they continue to train their minds and bodies, they will gain strength from each other and motivate each other to be the best they can be.

Good luck Coach Beller and the Dieruff High School football players and thanks for the inspiration!!!

Coach Brader

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Legacy of Champions

2008 US Olympic Trials, 4th Place

I remember when Bill Hurst (Former Head Track coach at Phillipsburg High School) and I met Justin Gaymon 9 years ago while coaching at Phillipsburg High School.  Justin was a 5’9 sophomore who was referred to us by the head football coach.  Coach Rohm always liked having the football players participate in track to help them improve their speed.  During this time we worked with some of the top track and field athletes to ever hit the track in the express times region.  Little did we know that we would soon work with arguably the greatest hurdler in the area and possibly New Jersey history.

Justin was probably our third best sprinter at the time and because of his rhythm, I recommended to Coach Hurst that we teach Justin the hurdle events.  My strategy was always to take the best athletes and make them into hurdlers.  We usually recruited the running backs, linebackers, and tight ends on the football team and taught them the technicalities of hurdling.  We already had Brandon Mason who was a major division I recruit running the hurdles and he was making a name for himself as one of the top hurdlers in the state.  He and Justin would make an unbelievable  one two punch both in the league and in the state.

As a sophomore, Justin was able to place 3rd in the state and place 12th in the country.  During the meet of champions he was up against the number one and two hurdlers in the nation.  Reuben McCoy is currently one of the top 400m hurdlers in the world and one of our rivals throughout Justin’s career.  I remember telling Justin’s mother at the fence during the meet of champions that Justin will one day become an olympian and rewrite the record books.  After his sophomore rookie season, Justin was able to win several state championships and is one of the only hurdlers in state history to win both the 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles at the meet of champions.  That is no small feet considering the difficulty levels of both events and New Jersey’s rich track and field history.  He had a record breaking career both at Phillispburg High School and the University of Georgia.  The only prediction that he is hasn’t fulfilled but is on the doorstep of fulfilling is making the Olympics.

Before Justin left for the University of Georgia, we had a cookout at my house and Justin was holding my newborn daughter.  We had a great lunch and discussed the future and what he had planned to do while competing in the SEC.  Justin is a very goal oriented person and dedicated to meeting his goals.  Everything we had discussed that day he was able to obtain while at UGA.  He is one of my greatest success stories as a coach and I’m proud to have his memorabilia hanging on the wall at my gym.  One of my proudest moments was holding my recently born son while my daughter watched as Justin competed in the 2008 Olympic trials.  As he ran down the home stretch he was leading the group and we were going nuts.  As the runners approached the finish line it was neck and neck.  The difference between 1st and 4th place was only .2 seconds and unfortunately he missed the Olympics by .04 sec.  He was beat by Angelo Taylor who eventually went on to win the Olympic gold while the other Americans swept the event.  It was an awesome race and it was awesome seeing him compete at that level.  Now Justin is getting ready for his second shot at making the team.  He has been running around the world as a professional for Nike and has been doing very well.  I’m proud to see how well Justin is doing with his career and it’s because of athletes like Justin that I was motivated to create FASST.  His dedication to improving himself and setting an example of what it takes to become a success has been an inspiration to all of those who have had the fortune to be associated with him.  We wish Justin the best as he moves closer to achieving his goal of becoming an Olympian.  Regardless of what happens in the upcoming weeks, Justin will always be one of my greatest successes as a coach and his legacy will live on forever at FASST Performance.

Best of Luck Justin and we will be rooting for you!!!  Rip it up!!!

Coach Brader

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Szukics Brings Home 3 District Golds and the 200m record

Monty Szukics displayed what desire, determination, and discipline can do for an athlete at the District XI track and field championships.  After overcoming a string of injuries and spending his off season at FASST, Monty was able to come up big at the championships.  Monty joins our list of district record holders after putting on a clinic.  We are proud that he was able to put all his hard work to good use and now has the opportunity to finish his high school career as a state champion.  Lookout for him at the PIAA state championships next weekend.  Checkout his record setting performance below.

http://www.mcall.com/sports/varsity/mc-district-11-boys-track-story-0517-20120517,0,7895140.story

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Adversity is a Friend

Adversity is often viewed as a negative part of life that many of us avoid.  For some this might be the case, but from what I have witnessed in my personal life and for those athletes that have trained at FASST, adversity can be seen as a friend.  One of our athletes who is no stranger to adversity is Monty Szukics of Palmerton.  Monty and Alex Vignone have been making the trek to FASST all the way from Palmerton for the past four months.  When they first arrived, they had no clue what was in store for them or if their long trips would enable them to have the track season they had hoped for.    As they pushed their bodies to the limit and began taking steps toward more advanced workouts, I could see them transforming.  We would discuss how all of their hard work was going to pay off and that their new found power, explosiveness, and mental strategies were going to be the decisive factor in them becoming District XI track and field champions.  For Monty, all this talk was part of the process for him to begin gaining the confidence in his body.  Monty had a string of injuries that had hindered him this fall in football and plagued him last track season.  Even though he had the tools to have a successful season, he had yet to string all his ability together.

Monty and Alex would use all the intrinsic motivation to become champions and drive all the way to Quakertown which is over an hour drive from their home.  While most people would say it’s too far to drive, Monty and Alex embraced the drive and used it as a badge of honor.  It served as a reminder of how bad they wanted to become champions and that it takes desire, determination, and discipline to make it.  They knew that we had already trained some of the top track and field athletes in the country and they knew it was going to be a challenge to join these athletes.

Today is the day that all of their efforts will be realized when they step on the track.  Monty and Alex are in position to accomplish their goals today and help the 4 x 100m relay team win gold.  Along with the 4 x 100m relay team, Monty has already run some of the regions fastest times in the 100m, 200m, and 400m.  He has an opportunity today to put all the adversity he had previously experience behind him and feel the great rewards associated with perseverance.  We are excited for you guys and know that you guys have put in the necessary work and deserve to be champions!!!  Rip it up today and make it happen!!!

Good Luck,

Coach Brader

To read more about Monty, click on the following link http://www.mcall.com/sports/varsity/mc-monty-szukic-palmerton-track-0515-20120515,0,325229.story

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From the Basement to the Hall of Fame

If someone would have told me 20 years ago that I would own a successful business, have a patent, and worked with the Flyers and various other professional and collegiate programs I probably would have thought they were nuts.  When I was a teenager all I was interested in was football and girls and not sure which was more important at the time.  Because of both of these passions, I was sure that I wanted to pursue college.  I know in order to meet more girls and continue playing football, I needed to hit the books.  Once I made this connection, I went after it and was able to become a collegiate athlete.  After graduating from college after a successful football career, I was looking for something else that would peak my interest.  I wanted something that would enable me to get the excitement of sports and utilize my entrepreneurial spirit.  One day when I was walking I was thinking about several names I could use and I came up with FASST.

Since I thought of the name and created my program, we have come a long way.  I began working with individual athletes, developed some speed camps, and set up a gym in my basement.  We currently have a 3400 sqft facility, a patented reaction device, and software that is utilized by 1,000′s of athletes.  I was able to channel the energy I used to develop myself as an athlete and immersed myself in learning, gaining certifications as a strength and conditioning specialist, and building championship caliber athletes.  My focus and determination that enabled me to become Muhlenberg Colleges all-time leading rusher in only two seasons while gaining a top flight education was integral in helping me push forward and achieve my goals.

Tonight I am going to work with one of my first athletes, Dan Persa and it makes me feel proud that my program was created and forged around athletes like Dan.  The same motivation I had as an athlete I saw in Dan when he was a high school athlete.  I saw first hand how a strong training regiment, unbelievable work ethic, and a never say never attitude could create a world class athlete.  It is awesome that Dan is pursuing his dream of playing professional football and at the same time giving back to the athletes of FASST.

I often get asked what the key ingredients are to building a successful business, training program, and motivating athletes.  The formula that I have followed to build my hall of fame athletic career, FASST Performance, and mold that athletes of FASST are quite simple.  Below are the following points that I feel are integral for anyone looking to pursue their dreams and become a success in whatever they choose.

  1. Passion = If you love it, you will work towards it.  If you hate it, you will avoid it.  When I write about loving it, I’m not talking about loving to do the tedious and mundane grind of your passion, I’m talking about the passion to do what you love.  My passion is helping anyone achieve their best in whatever sport they choose.  My passion is the enjoyment of seeing my athletes reach their goals and build awesome lives because of their efforts.  My passion is pushing myself to create programs and opportunities for both my athletes and family.  Because of my passion, I am able to do all the mundane and tedious things associated with building a business and a better life.  Early on I found it was pretty easy to make money but it was difficult only if I hated what I was doing to earn it.  If you have a passion, pursue it and the money will come.  If you are solely focused on the bottom dollar there is a good chance you will never be satisfied.  If you love what you do, the satisfaction falls in achieving your dreams and the payment is extra reward for doing the small stuff between the lines.
  2. Dedication = If you dedicate yourself, you will get results.  Some people dedicate themselves to the buffet line and they get a bigger waistline.  Others dedicate themselves to healthy habits and feel great about themselves and a healthy lifestyle.  Regardless of what you choose to dedicate your time to, jump in with both feet and get immersed.  Many times I meet with young interns and athletes who are interested in so much but dedicate themselves to nothing.  Because of this, they always feel like something is missing.  They are correct that something is missing and the missing piece is dedication.  Once they commit and jump in, it is easy to stay motivated and see some results.  Once you gains some momentum, the sky is the limit.
  3. Persistence = I learned that when I ran the ball in football, that three yards eventually becomes 10 yards, 10 yards becomes 30 and 30 yards becomes 60 and a TD.  By continually pressing the course and expecting some bumps has always been my approach to my business and training.  Many times this is a missing element in peak performance.  In academics we are taught to make the least amount of mistakes. From years of this type of thinking, we often become fearful of making mistakes.  While taking strides toward mastery, it is integral that we make mistakes and correct our paths.  When this occurs, the neural circuits become much stronger and the learning is richer.  When I would teach, I saw many able minded students avoid some excellent courses because they feared that a poor showing would impact their overall average.  I would think to myself what this person might do if they were faced with a huge opportunity in the “real world.”  Would they eagerly take it or would they doubt their ability and avoid it.  If they would have practiced persistency and pushed themselves when they were faced with a challenge, maybe they would be better off.  I know that this has been one of my strong points and also has been with many of my most successful athletes.  All of us have been knocked down in various ways and the winner has always found a way to “dig in” and keep pushing toward their goals.
  4. Commitment = In today’s society it seems as if this word is a curse.  If you are joining a health club it is often stated that there is no “commitment” or when someone begins a program, they ask if they are able to cancel.  In my life I have always believed that if you aren’t committed you aren’t in the game and if you cancel, you quit!!!  All of us have self doubt, reservations, or hang ups.  That is part of being a human.  If you didn’t have these feelings, there would be no reason to push yourself to achieve anything.  The next time you feel yourself hesitating to commit, just say “F” it and do it!!!  The best way to cure apprehension is to commit yourself.  If everyone was always waiting for the perfect time to be a parent, to begin college, join an exercise class, or introduce themselves to a special someone, no one would get anything done.  Once you commit yourself, use number 2 and 3 to push yourself until completion.

Hopefully these tips that have helped me in my life reach a few of my goals can help you move closer to yours.  Remember that these are my opinions and by no means the only way to accomplish your goals.  Examine what you have used to accomplish your most memorable feats and use those as the template to create your future successes.  Tonight I’m jacked up to work with one of my favorite athletes that I have enjoyed following throughout his career.  It is exciting to see how he is able to use all the things he learned from everyone along his journey to pursue his future aspirations.  I know that tonight all the athletes in attendance will be very fortunate to have worked with such an accomplished, humble, and awesome person!!!

Have a great weekend and rip it up!!!

Coach Brader

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Dan Persa QB Clinic (Friday May 11th 7:00-8:00pm)

Dan Persa, All-Big 10 QB, 2011 Heisman Trophy Candidate

 

Be a part of this awesome event that will enable you to work with the NCAA All-Time leader in completion percentage .727% completing 460 of 633 passes.  This is a can’t miss event that will enable you to learn some of the techniques that enabled him to become a 2011 Heisman Trophy Candidate, All-Big 10 Selection, and team captain for the Northwestern Wildcats.  Space is limited so contact us at jason@jasonbraderfasst.com to reserve your spot this Friday.  We will be following this event with a special three day FASST Football Academy Dan Persa Precision Quarterback Camp.  This camp will be held May 28, 29, and 30th from 7:00-8:00pm.  This event will work on the drills needed to become the best quarterback you can be.

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Dream Big (60 seconds of Motivation)

Northwestern University, All-Big Ten and 2011 Heisman Trophy Candidate

It was Saturday night and the NFL draft was wrapping up when I received a text from Dan Persa.  The text read that he was going to get an opportunity with the Tampa Bay Bucs.  To say I was proud is an understatement.  I remember Dan as a young freshman at Liberty high school working out in my basement nine years ago on a Sunday morning at 9:00am.  It was at these early morning workouts, I could see that Dan Persa had something special.  He wasn’t 6’4, didn’t run a 4.3 40, but the one thing Dan did have was the determination to be the best that he could be.  While most high school freshman slept in, Dan was pushing towards his dream of one day making his mark as one of the top qb’s in the Lehigh Valley, State, and Northwestern history.

Now that he is beginning the next chapter in his life, I know that whatever happens, Dan will be prepared both physically and mentally to meet the challenge.  The odds were stacked against an under 6’0 quarterback when he went to Northwestern and I would often hear that he was going to need to switch positions if he wanted to play.  I heard this from people who didn’t have the relationship that I had with Dan nor an understanding of what type of athlete and work ethic he possessed.  I would receive calls from Dan early on in his career asking for additional speed training workouts that he could do with his teammates after they finished their team workouts.  Always looking to create an edge for himself and find a way to improve, Dan never left a stone unturned and never made an excuse as to why he didn’t play.  Instead he was seeking ways to get on the field and work towards becoming the starting QB.  He wanted to give it his all and make the best out of the talent he was born with.  Dan was someone who possessed what it took to beat the odds and show others that you could achieve regardless of the circumstances when you fully commit to yourself.

Now that he has finished his career as the NCAA All-Time Leader in completion percentage, a two time All-Big 10 selection, and overcame a terrible achilles injury to lead his team to another bowl game, he is able to go after another dream.  The dream of becoming an NFL quarterback.  The odds to have any opportunity to play a professional sport are slim for anyone but if I had to choose someone who could beat the odds, it would be Dan Persa.  We wish Dan the best as he attends the Bucs mini camp this weekend and know that if you bet against Dan, you better be in for a fight.  Regardless of what happens over the next few months, Dan will be a winner in all aspects of life, an inspiration to athletes, and an example of what hard work, determination, and discipline can do for a person when they commit to their goals.

Good luck Dan and rip it up!!!!

Coach Brader

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Experimental Athlete Training Class

FASST will offer an invitation only experimental athlete training class.  All inquiries should email us at jason@jasonbraderfasst.com or call us at 484.357.3158.  Only serious inquiries will be entertained and class size will be limited.  This class is for the serious athlete looking to join our elite club.  We will have a trial session when we finalize our roster.  This date/time is TBD after we receive inquiries.

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Improve Confidence

Confidence is defined as: full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing: We have every confidence in their ability to succeed.  It is also defined as: belief in oneself and one’s powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance: His lack of confidence defeated him.  As seen by these two definitions, confidence is a two way street.  Confidence lies not only in the belief of one’s self but also the belief of those who have faith in our abilities.

I remember as a child looking up into the stands before a game and looking for my parents.  I did this before every game and knew that when they were there, I had extra strength because they always reassured me that I could do it.  They were a key component when I was developing my confidence in sports and life.  Without their support I certainly would not have attained what I have in sports and or life.  Because they believed in me, I was able to take more and more risk as I developed.  I was able to gain faith in my abilities, and self assurance.  I was able to develop these by taking tiny steps and progressively building myself up to meet bigger challenges as I achieved all the small goals I set along the way.  It was a great feeling that whenever I stepped on the field, I had triple confidence because not only did I believe I could do it, but so did my parents.  As far back as I can remember, I wanted my parents to be proud of me and was always looking for their approval in academics, athletics, and socially.

Confidence is a key ingredient in all aspects of life.  The more confidence you have, the better chance for success.  Confidence is a key topic when parents bring their children into our facility and one of the major benefits of participating in our program.  After years of working with athletes and high school students, I have learned the following from my interactions with my athletes.  This list is also compiled from my experience as a psychology teacher and coach..

1.  Children want coaches, parents, friends, and family members to believe in them.  They want you to believe in them and will often do what you ask of them if you allow them to do it.  Often when I was a teacher or coach, I heard parents at parent night confess to me (with their child present) that their child was lazy.  When they would say this, I could see instantaneously the wind leave the child’s sails.  What a terrible thing to hear your parents say to someone they have only known for a few minutes.  Just imagine how you would feel if your spouse or friend would introduce you as being lazy.  I would be pissed to say the least and probably want to deck the person who introduced me.  Just think if the parent would have introduced their child like this instead.  My son is a talented student when he is focused and engaged in the lesson.  He is still learning how to keep himself motivated on a consistent basis but with the right guidance, he should be highly successful in your classroom.  By stressing the positives and also addressing some of the issues that need improvement, the child has the opportunity to fix the short comings.  By framing the response, it also allows the teacher to not have a negative perception of your child.  If I were to describe to you myself as lazy and non enthused, there is a good chance you would look for these poor character traits.  Since you are looking for them,  whenever I would do anything that would fall into these categories, you would reconfirm your negative impression of me.  People often become what you label them.  If you label them an underachiever, they become one.  If you label them a winner, they become one.

In the gym, I often have parents describe their developing child as slow, weak, small, or wimpy.  Not sure about you but this is pretty much the description for anyone who is still developing.  It is also the reason most people come to me for guidance.  More often than not, the big, strong, fast, and tough individual feels as if they don’t need the extra work.  I have never met a child who was between the ages of 8-12 that was built like a 23 year old man.  It is tough enough growing up in this competitive  world without someone you admire and respect putting you down.  Use this opportunity to tell the coach or teacher that your son is a motivated worker who is very coachable.  They do a great job on the field and have pretty good skill.  Once they are able to grow into their bodies and increase strength, gain a little weight, and further develop, they should be an animal.  I have witnessed parents use this strategy and the child looks up at their mom or dad and knows that they are well on their way with all this awesome support and love.  What a great motivator knowing that your parents are next to you providing you the opportunity to improve yourself both physically and mentally.

2.  Show some vulnerability!!!  We weren’t always big, strong, tough adults so let your child know this!!!  On a personal level, my confidence sways pretty consistently.  I consider myself and expert in the strength and conditioning field and self improvement fields.  Do I feel confident that I can take apart my car engine?  Hell no!!!!!  I’m the last guy you want fixing a car.  This is unless you want to spend extra to fix what I screwed up.  Let your child know that you weren’t’ always poster child of confidence.  Tell them of instances that you weren’t confident and how you had to learn, build, and overcome some of your fears.  Give them some advice on steps to take to improve uncertainty.  If I go back to the car example, I could let them know how I went to a friend who I trusted that could repair my car’s engine.  When I went to get help, I learned a few tricks from him so that next time I could possibly try to repair the vehicle myself.  This is a great way to empower your child and give them some problem solving strategies.  Life is interdependent so what better way to build social skills, feel good about yourself, and get the job done by asking a friend for some help.  I don’t know about you but I always feel good when someone asks me for my expertise and help.  Try it and see what happens!!!

3.  Tell your child you believe in them and how much you love them!!!  I don’t know how many times a day I can tell my kids I love them.  If I’m walking down the stairs or when I leave for work, I always tell them I love them and how much they mean to me.  I often will toss my son the ball and tell him he’s a stud and how much fun I have seeing him catch the ball.  I know that I always feel good when someone gives me a compliment.  After I lost my parents to cancer in high school, I thought I was worthless because I had lost my mother and father.  Who would want someone like me.  That was until my coach’s parents took me in.  My grades had slipped and I was unable to immediately go to college because of this and I was at an all time low.  I knew that I once had great academics but because of my circumstances, they had fallen.  I was consumed with helping my brother take care of my parents so I missed a bunch of school time.  It was very disappointing that whenever I would read a news paper article regarding my life, they would make a point to emphasize my poor academics at the time.  Every time I would read the articles I would further condition myself and think I wasn’t smart or capable.

My coach’s parents helped me restore my confidence.  For those who know me well, you know the person I am writing about.  My coach’s father, until this day, whenever he sees me he says “what’s up stud.”  I don’t know why, but I always get big smile on my face.  Even as I write this, I am smiling.  After I lost my family, this man and his wife took great care of me and believed in me.  With their guidance, I was able to go to prep school, junior college, and finally Muhlenberg College where I was able to graduate with tremendous grades, become an All-American Running Back, and earn a spot in their athletic Hall of Fame.  I would have never of had the confidence if these people didn’t believe in me and tell me I could do it.

So often it is easy to pick out people’s weaknesses.  I know that I am someone who is able to identify my own on a consistent basis.  I know this isn’t a trait that’s exclusively reserved for me.  If confidence was easy to have, I wouldn’t feel the need to write about it.  Next time you’re about to pick out someone’s weak point, failure, or shortcomings, stop yourself.  Ask them how they think they did and most often than not, they will tell you what they did wrong.  After they tell you, let them know what they did right and how you will work on the areas they need to improve together.  Not only will it be fun to help your child reach their goals but it will be time well spent.

A good friend once told me that if you don’t love your children, someone else will.  If you don’t believe in your children, someone else will.  If you don’t take care of your children, someone else will.  After teaching and coaching over a decade, I believe this man and have seen it first hand.  Unfortunately there are many people out there who you probably don’t want around your children.  They will have an interest in your children and they prey on the weak and those who lack confidence and esteem.  I read about it in the paper everyday.  Street gangs, drugs, and other negative influences are just around the corner for all of us.  That’s why it is so important to work as a team and create the environment that is conducive to the outcomes we wish to achieve.  Iron sharpens iron, and man sharpens man!!!!

Have a great week and keep smashing!!!

Coach Brader

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