The most important part of coaching is putting on the game face. No matter the odds, your players go into battle against stronger opponents because you’ve got your game face on. You can yell as loud as you like, but ultimately your game face covers up a different story underneath. You do the same thing at home; you paint a bright picture for the peeps complete with a good face knowing full well sharing gory details with a 5 year old would create hysteria. Afterwards people may think using the game face is sneaky, but I think you need it to motivate the troops and yourself.
In 1989 I ran a hospital on the south side of St. Petersburg. Like the surrounding neighborhood, the hospital was beaten down and sickly. It struggled to stay afloat, a huge concern for the 500 employees and their families. Although I knew the future was bleak, I still painted a positive picture every chance I got. Sure, they’d listen politely to my re- assurances, but they read my body language to get the real story. Knowing that, each morning before entering the front door I’d shed all negative vibes and put my game face on. My intentions were for the workforce, but by putting on the game face it also pumped me up in more ways then one. The same routine happened years later with my teenage sons when I had cancer again. Although I talked a good game about having cancer, I kept the complications to myself. I didn’t want my illness to be a wet blanket over the house and ruin their high school years. Sure, on many days I was tired, depressed, and unsure of the future, but I intentionally left those feelings outside the door when I came home every night. I put the positive game face on for their benefit which in turn pulled me through my darker days.
Years passed so I put that battle behind me and fought new ones along the way. As the boys grew into adults it’s dawned on them that my health back then was much worse then ever described which causes them to challenge what I tell them today. I hear chirping sometimes now and then about how they would’ve liked to have known the real story a long time ago. I appreciate that interest, but the best game face is worn with true love and caring which lasts a lifetime. Slainte.
As always, great words of wisdom, my friend! I always look forward to your posts.
Jim, thanks for reading and commenting. I hope Lake Champlain is treating you well. Pete
Game face is trait you could have inherited from your McMahon grandparents!!!!
mixed with The Lawson look which is a blank stare
Well said Peter. We continue to pray for you and appreciate your stories and advice. Love you buddy
Greg, thanks for reading and commenting. I’ll keep it up. Pete
If I had a nickel for every time I had to put a game face on at school…I would be on the beach sipping a Pina Colada…instead of teaching. But…I think it’s more difficult to have a game face around family…because it’s natural to want to tell the people you love…everything that you are going through. ❤️
During the tornados last week…I was sitting in the hallway with a bunch of kids who were crying…trying to assure them that everything would be ok. I was scared. A friend of ours who now teaches at the elementary school…text us to say that a tornado touched down by Tommie Barfield. I was so worried about Cash that I started tearing up. Instantly…my teacher friends pulled me out of that hallway…like the cartoons…with a cane around my neck. They said “Get it together for the kids.” So I did. Luckily a few minutes later I found out that it didn’t hit the school.
I have the upmost respect for you for putting on your game face Mr. Pete. It definitely has its place in this world…and proves that you are selfless. It couldn’t have been easy. You are the toughest cookie I have ever met.
#cheerstotoughcookies
❤️🪳🍀
Elisa, in 1999 when we lived in OK we got hit by an F5 tornado that narrowly missed our house. Before going into shelter Diane’s Dad asked if we needed to grab anything else in the garage. I said, “beer” with the game face on. That went over poorly with Hurricane Diane. Pete
Wise words as usual. Anyone who works with the public can and should put on ‘game faces’ for their students, patients, etc. You’re right in saying that it boosts oneself as well!
Kate, nice to hear from you. Your right about the public, especially today with social media where your every movement is scrutinized and interpreted. Pete
Since I am an open book, I can really appreciate a good, quality game face! Another great post Pete!
Di, balancing the open book and the game face is definitely a challenge. Pete
As always..,❤️ Thank you for sharing …..always amazing…always beautiful words, 💞🙏💞
Margie, it’s always a pleasure to see your comments. Pete
Spot on as always Peter! Thank You!
Thanks for reading and weighing in!
Another great blog, I remember that game face during our Tug of War contests a few years back.
Tom, those were great times; especially at Tucker’s Tavern after. Pete
Seems to me you must be a ‘master’ putting on “game faces”. Great post Pete. Thank you:)
Grace, Anthony told me that Jameson helps the game face. Pete
The game face is awesome, but can be very tough to do!! I’m so glad you are able to pull that off, wouldn’t want to play cards against you!!! And what they don’t know is what they don’t know, great job! Stay well!
Fran, the game face is definitely built up over time. Pete
Pete Lawson, you are an Amazing Man that definitely has mastered the Game Face. In fact, you have it on today!
We Love you Mr Pete! ❤️🙏
Shelley, I’ve seen your game face; especially after making chili. Pete
You definitely are the “game face” Master, Pete Lawson. I must add, it has served you well over the years. Loved this post!❤️
Jane, it’s right up there with the Lawson look your sister has adopted. Pete