When we are young, we are often encouraged to specialize in a particular area of interest or talent. While it’s true that focusing on a particular skill or talent can lead to success in a specific field, there is also great value in exposing yourself to a variety of experiences, as you grow up. By trying new things, you can learn more about yourself and what you’re truly passionate about; which can help you identify what will best fulfill you in life.
One of the most advantageous benefits of exploring different experiences is that it allows you to broaden your perspective. When you are exposed to new ideas, cultures and ways of thinking, you start to see the world in a different way. This is incredibly valuable when it comes to figuring out what you want to pursue in life. For example, if you grew up in a small town you are limited to the exposures that you grew up around and you might never realize how much you love experiencing different cultures until you take a trip outside your comfort zone.
Trying new things can help you develop a wide array of skills. In the same breath this parallels sports and training. A plethora of kids are specializing at a young age, never developing the natural skills that other sports can expose them to. Likewise, training styles and philosophies that coaches have are learned and never adapted. The natural progression is play, volunteer/intern, assist and then become a head coach. The path of least resistance is working within the same coaching tree for this full trajectory. Doing so limits your exposure. A lot of players and coaches get fixated on certain styles because that is all they have exposure to.
Exposure, learning and trialing new styles and skills/philosophies will help with your overall development. While sharpening your arrow on one skill will make you really good at that one thing, you may never discover that you are quite good at something else or that something else may work a little better or not work at all. By exposing yourself to a variety of experiences, you can build a diverse skill set that will serve you well throughout your life.
Of course, it’s important to note that exploring different skills, training styles, and philosophies does not mean you have to try everything under the sun. It is okay to have certain ones that you value more, however, by keeping an open mind and trying new things when the opportunities arise, you can get a better understanding of why people have different styles. So go ahead play multiple sports, try different training styles, work for multiple coaching trees and try numerous jobs. You never know where it might lead you.
With strength,
Colin Masterson
Owner – CM1 Performance