Sometimes, a single moment of encouragement can change the course of our lives. For me, that moment came in grade ten when I walked into a gymnasium feeling completely out of place.
Stepping Into the Unknown
It was my first time meeting Coach Doug. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew one thing: I felt different. As a First Nations student in a gym full of non-Indigenous peers, I stood out, and not in a way that made me feel confident.
Throughout practice, doubts consumed me. You’re not going to make this team. You’re not good enough. Those thoughts replayed in my head, dragging me down.
A Moment of Transformation
At the end of practice, Coach Doug pulled me aside. He could’ve easily let me walk out of that gym, unnoticed and unremarkable, but he didn’t. Instead, he said words that would stay with me for the rest of my life:
Kendall, I see potential in you. I want to work with you. You might not get a lot of playing time this year, but I want you to stay on my team.
In that moment, something shifted. His belief in me was a beacon of hope, cutting through my self-doubt.
The Power of Belief
Coach Doug’s words weren’t about immediate success—they were about potential. He saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. And that’s what true leadership and mentorship are all about:
- Seeing Beyond the Present: Great leaders recognize potential even when it’s not fully realized.
- Offering Support Without Guarantees: Doug didn’t promise me glory or stardom; he promised me an opportunity to grow.
- Instilling Confidence: By believing in me, he gave me the courage to believe in myself.
Lessons for Life and Leadership
Looking back, I realize how profound that moment was. It wasn’t just about basketball; it was about life. Here’s what we can all learn from Doug’s example:
- Encourage Those Who Doubt Themselves: A kind word or simple gesture can transform someone’s outlook.
- Lead with Vision: Help others see their potential, even if they can’t see it yet.
- Create Opportunities: Success isn’t always immediate. Sometimes, staying in the game is the first step.
Paying It Forward
Doug’s belief in me taught me the importance of paying it forward. Whether as a leader, a mentor, or a friend, we all have the power to make someone feel seen, valued, and capable.
When you see potential in someone, let them know. Your words could be the turning point they need to persevere and thrive.
Final Thoughts
That day in the gym wasn’t the end of my journey—it was just the beginning. Doug’s encouragement helped me grow, not only as an athlete but as a person. And now, I strive to be that beacon of hope for others, just as he was for me.
Belief is powerful. Share it freely, and watch as it transforms lives.
hiy hiy
