Coach Kub

Introduction

When it comes to character, how do we arrive at finding what that may look like for ourselves? Perhaps we were born with some innate qualities that result in what we would call our charactertoday; or maybe that character is a result of certain situations that we have/are involved with on a daily, weekly, or yearly basis? Many people have sought out to answer this complicated question, and still struggle to provide a definitive answer. I would like to offer a few possibilities to further this discussion.

Discussion

In The Tipping Point on page 163, character is described as “a bundle of habits and tendencies and interests, loosely bound together and dependent, at certain times, on circumstance and context.” The author Malcolm Gladwell then goes on to offer that “the reason that most of us seem to have a consistent character is that most of us are really good at controlling our environment.”

These statements are very profound because in most situations, we would all like to believe that our character is a constant, and that no matter the time or place, we would all act in a similar way regardless of the circumstance. For some of us, this could most certainly be true, but for others, possibly not so much.

PODCAST: Episode #31: CHARACTER – How Do We Identify It?

Further questions that we could ask ourselves about this topic could possibly be: are we indirectly putting a lot of focus on controlling our environments so our character is not challenged? Are we afraid to seek a new challenge, new environment, or new relationship because it may expose us for who we really are? Would being consistently exposed to a wide variety of environments aid in our “character development?” These are all things that will push us to reveal that character and bring it to light, for better or worse.

Challenge

As we ponder these questions over the course of today and the rest of this week, I want to challenge us all to really look inside of ourselves and find out who we truly are. By taking part in exercises like this from time to time, it allows us a remarkable opportunity to grow as a productive member of this world and put ourselves in a vulnerable position that may be hard to confront initially, but will surely be advantageous for us as we work through it.

Let us seek out a new environment, situation, or challenge this week to put our character to the test. Again, this type of activity may be intimidating because we know our true nature might become unmasked, and to this, I say great! Let it be used as a turning point in changing ourselves for the better, and take a turn towards becoming who we were meant to become.

God Bless,

INTRODUCTION

For today’s Friday Discussion, we are joined by friend, former teammate, and all around lights out dude, Mr. Darien Harris. Darien is a former linebacker and captain for the football team at Michigan State University.  After a short stint with the Cincinnati Bengals and Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL, Darien decided to return to MSU to complete a Master’s degree which he graduated with this past Friday in Marketing Research while also serving as a graduate assistant in the Clara Bell Smith Center for Student Athlete Support Services.

Outside of that, Darien is currently a regular contributor to the Big Ten Network, brand ambassador for BIGGBY COFFEE, and Coach for Legacy Sport’s football program out of Brighton, MI.  During his time at MSU, Darien was a part of the winningest senior class of all time, including a Rose Bowl Championship, two Big Ten Championships, a Cotton Bowl Championship, and a berth in the College Football Playoffs.

PODCAST: Episode #30: Friday Dicussion ~ Darien Harris

During our conversation, the questions/topics we covered are as follows:

In reference to your upbringing and working up into your high school days, what were some of the things, even at those earlier ages, that formed the foundation of your character and leadership ability?

How did your experience at Michigan State, in all realms, allow you to grow even more as a person and leader, and what are some of your best memories from your time there?

What is some advice you would offer to current student-athletes on how to build their own personal brand and take advantage of the resources they have at their respective schools?

With the now completion of your Master’s degree (CONGRATULATIONS!!!) what do you envision is next for you? How will you use those platforms to lead yourself and others?

God Bless,

The qualities and characteristics of human beings can be identified by an infinite amount of different adjectives. Some of these descriptions that may first come to mind are perhaps kind, cute, caring, generous, or loving.  When it comes to these qualities, there are certainly some that the majority of us would be more than okay identifying with, and one of those traits is beautiful.

Definition

Defining this term beautiful can vary depending on who is referencing the word, as well in regards to whom or what we are referring to. I have searched through multiple definitions from various sources, but the one that struck me the hardest can be found in the book Walden. On page 42, Walden states “beauty is the result of gradual growth from within outward, of the necessities and character of the indweller, who does it themselves, without ever a thought for the appearance.”

Explanation

We can all get caught up from time to time concerning ourselves over our outward appearances that can be initially pleasing to our personal and outside eyes: our hair styles, clothing choices, house designs, profile pictures on Tinder, etc. While all of these things by themselves are not detrimental or wrong, our reasoning and approach towards them could turn in that direction. These specific things focus on the tangible traits that can be acquired through relatively easy and expedited processes.

PODCAST: Episode #29: Beauty Always Starts Within

But on the other hand, when we turn our minds towards things that are unarguably beautiful, such as the raising of a strong, independent child or a 50-year old marriage, these types of things take significant time, and are rooted in deep love and evolution of those involved. These consistent investments to the process reap beautiful rewards, and not because of a concern for what others may think or judge, but rather an identification of purpose and hope within that is so honorable that it makes it extremely difficult not to gravitate towards and wish for ourselves.

Final Thought

In the end, if we are striving towards finding beauty within, start with recognizing objectives that will be produced through hard work and trying times. Only through this type of progression will we be able to find that beauty, and no matter what we find on the other side of that progress will always be of value and inspiration.

God Bless,

It seems as if a very common trait with our human nature is the desire to be concerned about the lives of others. These concerns have the capacity to be either positive or negative, depending on how we choose our approach. However, regardless of the intention of our actions, where we tend to fall short in our pursuits, regardless of intention, is where our focus should always start, and that is with ourselves.

It is very easy to find ourselves desiring the betterment of others, the judgment of others, or the lifestyle of others. When we elect to act on these desires, our energy and attention divert to things that are ultimately outside of our control, and will do more detriment to us than good.

PODCAST: Coach Kub Podcast ~ Episode #25: Lead Yourself First

My offering today is that despite whatever motives we have in seeking interest in those around us, take an even bigger interest in ourselves, and how the way we think, talk, and act is controlling our own personal realities, and how that is ultimately influencing ourselves, which will then influence the lives of others as a natural byproduct.

The central idea behind this notion is that if we are to lead those around us, we first and foremost must absolutely focus on the development and maturation of our own hearts, souls, and minds. As we embark on this upcoming week, may we strive to take steps towards becoming the best version of ourselves, and allow that process to inspire others to do the same for themselves.

God Bless,

In today’s Friday Discussion we are blessed to be joined by Ira Childress – Athletic Director at Okemos High School in Okemos, Michigan. In his role with the Chiefs he utilizes his creativity and vision to provide innovative solutions and experiences for OHS student-athletes, coaches, and surrounding community. As a result of his efforts, Childress is currently a finalist for NATIONAL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR!

Prior to his arrival at Okemos he worked at the NCAA National Office where he served as an Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Development for the NCAA. While there, his work provided cutting edge programming that helped shape the careers of hundreds of NCAA coaches, administrators, and student-athletes.

PODCAST: Episode #24: Friday Discussion ~ Ira Childress

During our conversation, the questions/that topics that we covered are as follows:

What led you/inspired you/called you to become an Athletic Director in the high school setting?

Do you have a set of core values? And if so, what are they?

Why do you feel sports have the ability to help shape a person’s life for the better?

How has your role as an Athletic Director aided your development as a person?

Have a beautiful and joy-filled weekend my friends!

God Bless,