THE POWER TO CHOOSE by Dee Stokes, Southeastern University Oftentimes we take for granted the ability we have to make our own decisions in life. Authors Stephen Covey & Michael Burt write that there is a space between stimulus and response in which we determine (choose) how to respond. For example, the stimulus could be someone sideswiping your car at the drive-thru. Before you pull out that 9 millimeter and blow the guy's head off, shouldn't you think about the decision that should (needs to be) made in this case? We as coaches don't spend enough time contemplating which choices to make when it comes to recruiting, dealing with administrators, hiring, dealing with players, etc. We get caught up in the emotion and business of coaching. We need to make better choices and use this ability effectively. Now, going back to my original statement...this ability to choose is so powerful. Some would call it God's gift of freewill. It is more powerful than we can fathom & without it we are slaves to humanity. We choose when to get up/go to bed. We choose who to marry and quite often when to divorce. We choose what job/occupation to have. We choose what to wear, drive, eat, and where to live. How powerful is that? In my almost 38 years of living, I cannot think of too many times, even as a child, when I could not make most choices for my life. I cherish the idea to CHOOSE! Let's not forget how powerful this ability is. It is a birthright, a gift, a responsibility, a privilege! Choose wisely today! Check out more columns from Coach Stokes

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