Day 55: Can You Go?
Seriously, can you?
Action
Ask yourself, “Can I go?” before beginning today’s important task.
Standard
Answer honestly, then act appropriately.
Today’s Reading
“Can you go?” comes from American football. It means, quite simply, “Can you play or not?”
If an athlete walks up to me on the morning of nationals and complains about the dinner, the hotel, the bed, the weather, or the drive, I listen politely. Eventually, I ask the only question that matters: “Can you go?”
If the answer is yes, put on the uniform, begin the warm-up, and compete. If the answer is no, the day is finished. Athletics can be cruel that way, but life often asks the same question.
Can you carry the groceries? Can you help a child or grandchild? Can you get off the floor? Can you handle the stairs, make the appointment, or deal with an unexpected problem?
Readiness does not happen accidentally. It comes from training, preparation, recovery, and constant assessment. There will also be times when the honest answer is no. Wisdom may mean resting, changing the plan, or asking for help.
The purpose of training is to increase the number of times you can answer yes when life asks, “Can you go?”
Coaching Vocabulary
Readiness: The ability to perform the necessary task when the moment arrives.
Reflection
What do I want to remain ready to do?
This lesson is adapted from Dan John’s book, Fitness Forge, originally written as Tools of Coaching. Learn more at danjohnuniversity.com/bookstore.
Boo is ready for anything. I just added half a ton of red rock to my front yard. I have been Xeroscaping here for over a decade. I have planted Utah native trees, bee friendly bushes and grasses (mint, Butterfly Bushes, Bluebeards, and three varieties of clover…bees LOVE the pink clover), and filling in dry areas with red rocks, stone benches and other water “friendly” items. We are in a major drought and…it’s bad.
At nearly 70, I can still move 300 pound stones into place. That’s “Can you go?” 101.