In coaching and in business and even in life, I like to theme things so that they eventually make sense. When I started coaching last year, I knew I would have about zero street cred with the kids.
So I did some ninja authority hacking to escalate my authority.
And I started doing what I do. I get into peoples heads.
I started with a narrative that what they are enjoying is temporary, it is not forever.
Spring ball, becomes Summer, which becomes Camp, which becomes the Season, and then its over.
About half way through, I pushed onto the kids individually that they would never play at this field again (if an away game). This is it. If they want in, next time they will have to buy a ticket.
To make the best memories that they could now, because too soon, that is all they are.
I told this story to my cousin Jim recently and he told me there was a song about this.
Here are the lyrics, and the song.
Eight years old a couple cane poles sitting down by the creek
Our lines in the water watching those bobbers seeing that red sun sink
Mama’s on the porch yelling supper’s hot, y’all come and get it
We yelled five more minutes
At sixteen it was twelve o three standing at her front door
Katie’s dad said midnight, but we needed just a little more
Yellow light flipping on and off, interrupting that goodnight kissing
We wanted five more minutes
Time rolls by the clock don’t stop
I wish I had a few more drops
Of the good stuff, the good times
Oh but they just keep on flying
Right on by like it ain’t nothing
Wish I had me a pause button
Moments like those Lord knows I’d hit it
And give myself five more minutes
>>>>>At eighteen turned my helmet in and walked to the fifty yard line
Just the coach and me after we lost eighteen to nine
And I cried man next time to get in here I’ll have to buy a ticket
Can’t you give me five more minutes
Time rolls by the clock don’t stop
I wish I had a few more drops
Of the good stuff, the good times
Oh but they just keep on flying<<<<<
Right on by like it ain’t nothing
Wish I had me a pause button
Moments like those Lord knows I’d hit it
And give myself five more minutes
At eighty-six my grandpa said there’s angels in the room
All the family gathered ’round knew the time was coming soon
With so much left to say I prayed Lord I ain’t finished
Just give us five more minutes
Time rolls by the clock don’t stop
I wish I had a few more drops
Of the good stuff, the good times
Oh but they just keep on flying
Right on by like it ain’t nothing
Wish I had me a pause button
Moments like those Lord knows I’d hit it
Yeah sometimes this old life will leave you wishing
That you had five more minutes
Five more minutes
