Episode 230 | Megan Young on Coaching, Learning, and Living a High-Performance Lifestyle

Care in Coaching

Megan Young emphasizes the critical role of care in coaching, highlighting its multifaceted nature. She believes that care involves emotional support, accountability, and pushing athletes beyond their perceived limits. Megan shares a personal story about how her strength coach's care inspired her to pursue coaching, illustrating the profound impact of genuine care on athletes' lives 1. She states, "The primary role of a coach is caring about the person in front of them," underscoring the importance of connection and empathy in coaching 1.

   

Lifelong Learning

Being a lifelong learner is essential for coaches, according to Megan Young. She stresses the importance of continuous growth and self-reflection, noting that coaches often need coaches themselves to maintain their development. Megan's insatiable curiosity drives her to constantly seek new knowledge, even outside her immediate field, which she believes is crucial for a fulfilling coaching career 2. "If I ever say that I have it all figured out, I'm going to fire myself," she asserts, highlighting the necessity of humility and openness to learning 2.

   

Authenticity

Megan Young's journey to becoming an authentic coach involved embracing vulnerability and integrating her personal and professional selves. She reflects on how her cancer diagnosis was a turning point, leading her to live authentically and transparently. Megan explains that this authenticity allows her to connect more deeply with her athletes, stating, "I want people to know as Coach Megan, not just this person that seems to have everything together all the time" 3. This approach fosters trust and openness, essential elements in effective coaching 4.