A Simple Message
Starting this journey was sparked by a powerful message – a call to action fueled by frustration, hope, and a strong desire for real change in my volleyball team. Our team had a lot of potential, but our practice sessions often felt more like fun get-togethers than the serious, disciplined training we needed to reach our full potential. We lacked the serious attitude necessary to improve and succeed, which really bothered me about where our team was headed.
The issue was our laid-back culture and the lack of real effort from my teammates. It wasn't just about having fun together; we were missing out on chances to grow and get better. I realized that we weren't using our potential to the fullest. The environment wasn't right for us to become the top-level players we wanted to be. This sparked a strong wish in me to make a change.
Driven by this insight, I took a step that felt both scary and essential: I talked to our coach. I shared everything in my message – the wasted time, the lack of effort I saw, and my worries about us not reaching the high goals we could achieve. I compared this to my experience on a previous team, where everyone was really focused on being their best. Sending this message was nerve-wracking, but I did it because I genuinely wanted all of us to succeed together.
The response from my coach was surprising. Instead of just a quick text or a call, he suggested we meet in person to talk about my concerns. That conversation changed my view a lot. My coach pointed out that not everyone on our team was aiming to play volleyball at the very top level. Some people were there just because they loved the game, without big ambitions, and that was totally okay. But for those of us who wanted more, I realized I needed to lead by example.
After our talk, things started to change in how our team worked together. Practices became more serious and focused, showing what we had discussed. This change didn't happen all at once but gradually. Those who used to put fun first started taking things more seriously, understanding that we needed to work hard while still enjoying volleyball. Some teammates who didn't take this seriously faced consequences, something new for us.
Moving from just sending a message to seeing real changes in our team showed me how important it is to speak up and the big impact leadership can have. My goal wasn't to force my way on the team or take away the fun of volleyball. It was about finding a balance where we could all aim for greatness while keeping the joy that brought us to volleyball in the first place.
Becoming a leader wasn't something I had planned, but I saw that leading by example was the best way to inspire change. Encouraging my teammates, setting high standards, and holding everyone accountable became part of my role, which I took on eagerly. This journey taught me that big changes often start with a single action or, in my case, sending a message. It showed how crucial communication is and the bravery needed to stand up for what you believe.
As a result, our practices, and our team as a whole, have improved a lot. This proves that even if you doubt how much your voice can do, taking the step to express your thoughts can lead to big changes. This lesson goes beyond sports, offering valuable insights for many areas of life.
