Gearing Up, Picking up the Pace, Turning up the Temperature: Players, Teachers A-like, Dislikes

A Call, Shout out (as needed): To all potential students, players, and lately, any among us who would consider the bold proposition to go into what's still known as the "teaching profession" As for me, as I fore-told here just yesterday, the day after a postponement for many students, some of which double ("student athletes" or athletic students -- a few of whom go on to institutions of higher learning as a temporary requirement, on their way to professional sports, where most of them will spend about 3-5 years and then go on to other occupations, some of which require them to go back to........) This was also the day after I simulcasted the duality of work/school that really take off after most of us did, take off, a day or so in recognition of "Labor day" -- a day after which I looped around where many students and so-called "jocks" hang out, after school which oddly enough, is the schoolyard, a place many of them vowed they would not return any time soon, when school got out in the spring...A place where I usually, on any given time of day, especially well after school has been "let out" find lots of bodies doing all kinds of maneuvers, some of which are directed by coaches, others simply watched after by parents or these daze, grandparents, babysitters...(Super!) nannies...given how tired mom and dad are by this time of day...even so early in the season, upon "returning" The latter being my only conclusion as to why, after yet another early evening, the time of day we all used to be "out playing" (even what we as teens told our folks, with a slightly different emphasis) -- but yesterday, another second glance, a double take, after changing directions, a different "circumnavigation route" (see two days ago here for the whole mapping out) I/we saw no other beings, other than a few who were apparently dragged out by the four legged variety -- the ones that I frequently see in the schoolyard that posts, boasts "no dogs allowed, children play here" Well, theoretically, in both cases...which leaves me no option, as I warned you here yesterday, to start going around, at least to the houses where I have some familiarity...what teens, sports analysts both refer to as "street cred"...which may find me standing on your porch, calling you out by name...Yep, it's that time of the day, to come out and play as well as...

That Time of Year: Where surveys of both teachers and NFL players, both a dedicated lot, testify, when they are asked (as in surveys) what they both, most like, as well as dislike...about the return engagement, about (both literally and figuratively speaking) "it's time to gear up!". That is, in both cases they cite that after such a long lay-off (aka "recess"), even without the noted day postponement, as much as they like their respective "chosen" professions...they too like being with friends and family..."separation anxiety!" -- the kind we see (in my profession) more frequently in the fall with youngsters but "truth be told" among grown men as well, who have just gotten really good at masking it, as behind their helmets...Most of us can relate, "empathize"..."It will be OK..." A few years back a real-life survey was done (pre-COVID) among these grown men, who had, for years, dedicated themselves to getting, then staying in "tip top" shape, the kind that would allow them to compete at the highest level...NFL: "Are you ready for some football...?"  

No Surprise: At least for me, after so many years spent MOTIVATING! individuals and groups, tapping into their untapped "POTENTIAL!" -- that the fore-going surveys of professionals, and others who are otherwise passionate about what they are pursuing...that despite the best of initial intentions, after getting "psyched up!" by various team building activities...they, the elite of the elite, who have, after so many years enduring the "rough and tumble" of many long seasons of "bumps and bruises" (both literally and figuratively depending on what you do professionally and in your "avocational" pursuits)...that there exists an initial deficit in motivation: "We HATE conditioning!" Or, in the words of so many teachers and students, "It's such a pain...to have to spend so much time each fall...reviewing...getting back what was lost over the summer...getting back into academic shape..." Yep, it's now no secret to me that, while there are plenty of motivational speakers and speeches given to get you "up and at 'em!" after such a long layoff, or trying to counter condition some screwed up circadian rhythms...that true motivation, the kind that sustains a drive, may not arrive until you are a body and mind in motion...In other words, as I now tell those who "I want to make a life change, get into shape, but I'm coming to you first to get motivated..." That "You've come to the wrong place...it actually comes from doing..." Which is why I wish I would have thought of that catchy phrase that still seems to attract sufficient attention, to motivate millions to drop a gazillion of bucks on athletic apparel, the latest in home workout equipment, and books on short-cuts to academic success. No, not that phrase that we have all seen on gym walls accompanied by the NIKE swish thing ("Just Do it") but the more time tested...

"Shape up or ship out!" Which will probably be applied and experienced quite differently, depending on what professional 'field' you find yourselves in at the moment. As in teachers, shouting out to their class, following (summer) recess, "OK, knock it off already, it's time to get serious..." Whereas professional football players, despite all the years of competing, are once again warned, "If you don't get into shape, get serious, you yourself could get knocked off...by some rookie..." 

"You're in good company" As in even aspiring Olympians and thriving thespians I have worked with in either finding that initial boost of energy that gets them started on their quest...or, in my imagination, the kind that kept Michaelangelo going, even after he found painting the Sistine Chapel a literal "pain in the neck"...got him through to the finish. We all suffer a deficit of motivation, ebbs and flows in our drives, from time to time. In the meantime, I hope you all at least get off to a good start, after which you might be joined by what many of you came to see me for, in the first place...

Next up: A behind the scenes look...beyond the locker room and teacher's lounge...for the real "skinny"