In the high-pressure world of pro football, coaches are famous for the long hours they put in and the highly-stressful situations they navigate through each day.
That’s why I’m always interested to learn how different coaches manage their time and their stress levels. How do they achieve the balance necessary for success on the field and off of it?
While many coaches preach the priorities of “faith, family, and then football,” it’s no secret that many in the NFL have trouble living by that standard. Philadelphia Eagles head coach and winner of Super Bowl LII Doug Pederson is an exception.
Though Pederson is not one of those coaches who works around the clock, he does put in many long hours during the season. Yet, he always puts his faith and his family above the job.
In fact, Doug Pederson says that prioritizing his faith is one of the main reasons for his success…
As coaches go, I’m pretty laid back. But there is probably a reason for that: I’m a Christian and I have faith.
I learned a long time ago not to worry about things I can’t control. Life is too short. I’m only going to focus on today. I’m not going to worry about tomorrow or Sunday or next week. By being here now, I will maximize this time here.
It really helps me to start each day with some quiet time, reflecting on life, my challenges, and whatever God wants me to hear that day.
I’m in my office at 5:30 every morning and sit at my desk and spend thirty minutes alone in my chair with no distractions. I take a couple deep breaths and put my day in perspective. I grab my prayer book, Jesus Calling. There is a devotional and a scripture on each page. It takes two minutes to read, but the messages are powerful. Then I start journaling. I dive into my Bible a little. I say prayers—whether it be for the team, my family, or a friend or loved one who is struggling with something. I bring all of that to God in the morning.
As I’m driving to work, I often wonder how I will accomplish everything that I need to get done that day. This quiet time sets the tone for my day and focuses me, puts me at peace. At the end of the day, I always look up and realize that everything is done that needed to be done.
If I don’t start like this, things can get shifted and out of whack.
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That verse gives me the motivation to face challenges every day. It points to how my faith has been a big part of my life.
If I’m having a bad day, I can refocus my attention on Christ. It makes me a better husband, a better father, and a better coach.
— Doug Pederson, from his book Fearless
How you start each day sets the tone for everything that will happen that day. It’s no accident that so many of history’s top coaches and leaders start their day with some quiet, spiritual reflection.
Doug Pederson’s morning routine and reminders throughout the day reinforce his faith. It’s this dependency on God that he says alleviates stress and helps him not worry about the things he can’t control.
For all the stereotypical stories about control-freak coaches and egotistical leaders, isn’t it interesting how many of the most successful ones have made the conscious decision to let go of the things they can’t control and to humbly trust God to handle those things?
