OK – unpopular opinion but January is one of my favorite months in the gym. Hear me out though. By now pretty much everyone has had every virus and the unpredictable absences are over. Winter teams (if you have them) are in full swing and practicing happily. Full year teams are ready for competition, and parents and athletes alike have that comp mindset. You can start planning for next season with your leadership team. And since the gym has been closed for the holidays, myself and my coaches come back renewed and rejuvenated ready to take on the busy season ahead.

Ok, it’s not all perfect. It is more than likely we will freeze walking from our cars to the gym. There might be a snow storm or 2 that keeps us home, especially here in Central Massachusetts. And some of us who hit the mat for the first time may not like the results. Competitions usually bring on more difficult conversations with parents who want to better understand their child’s role on the team and in the routine, or will question your deductions as bad coaching decisions. Sometimes, I cringe when I hear “Coach Jill Markley… do you have a minute?” It all seems to start right about now, doesn’t it?

While it is easier to look at the challenges ahead, I think January is the perfect time to look at the opportunities instead of the challenges. To remember to feel blessed to have a gym to call home, a snow storm that keeps you with your family unexpectedly, and the ability to get feedback on your routine while you still have time to make adjustments. I also always remind myself that the best parents are usually the ones advocating for their kids and trying to understand how to help them navigate the disappointments that will no doubt be a part of your season. 

New Year, new perspective.