Prepare the Soil

This morning, I came across a quote by Alexander Den Heijer: "When the flower does not bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower." It got me thinking about how we approach challenges in coaching and working with athletes. Den Heijer's insight offers a perspective that challenges conventional approaches to performance improvement. Too often, when things aren't going right, we focus on the individual—whether it’s the athlete’s physical conditioning, mental state, or technical ability. But Den Heijer’s idea encourages us to shift our focus: rather than blaming the flower for not blooming, we need to evaluate the environment in which it’s trying to grow.

This perspective feels especially relevant in the world of sports, where the pressure on athletes to meet expectations can be overwhelming. Their performance is constantly under intense scrutiny, and the stakes are often incredibly high. Coaches and athletes alike are driven by the desire for success, and when performance falls short, it’s easy to assume the individual is the problem. But when we look at Den Heijer’s quote, it invites us to consider something broader—the conditions in which the athlete is operating. After all, if a flower isn't thriving, it might be because the soil, water, or light isn't right—not necessarily because the flower itself is flawed. Similarly, athletes don't perform in a vacuum; their environment has a huge impact on their success.

As coaches, one of our primary tasks is to create environments that support growth, development, and success. Our responsibility goes far beyond just providing drills or technical guidance; we also shape the emotional, psychological, and social conditions in which athletes train and compete. Owen Eastwood, a renowned performance coach, emphasizes that “70% of behavior is based on their environment.” This means that the surroundings, culture, and conditions in which an athlete operates play a critical role in shaping their behavior, mindset, and performance. So, instead of simply placing blame on the individual when they fail to meet expectations, we should first consider how the environment may be influencing their struggles.

The environment in which an athlete operates encompasses many different elements. It's not just about the physical space where they train; it’s also about team dynamics, the shared values that guide behavior, emotional and psychological support, the coaching style, and the expectations set by both coaches and the athlete themselves. If an athlete is not performing at their best, it is crucial to first evaluate these factors. Are they feeling supported and motivated? Do they have a clear understanding of what’s expected of them? Are they provided with feedback that helps them grow, or do they feel like they’re constantly falling short? Is the culture within the team one of inclusivity, trust, and positive reinforcement, or is it one of pressure, competition, and judgment?

If any of these elements are lacking or misaligned, an athlete’s potential may never fully be realized, no matter how hard they try. An environment that doesn’t foster psychological safety, that doesn’t encourage open communication, or that doesn’t value resilience and growth will only limit the athlete's ability to perform. This is why it’s essential for coaches to take a step back and examine not just the athlete's performance, but the conditions they are working within. If the environment isn’t conducive to growth, no amount of individual effort will lead to long-term success.

On the other hand, when coaches take responsibility for shaping a positive environment, athletes are much more likely to thrive. A supportive and well-structured environment nurtures confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. In such an environment, athletes don’t see failure as a reflection of their inadequacies, but as an opportunity to learn and improve. Coaches who actively cultivate this kind of environment foster a sense of trust and mutual respect, which empowers athletes to push beyond their perceived limits. By focusing on creating the right conditions for success—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—coaches can set the stage for sustained growth and achievement.

Instead of blaming the athlete for their perceived shortcomings, we empower them by ensuring they have everything they need to succeed. This includes providing the tools, resources, and support necessary for growth, and fostering an environment where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, not failures. When an athlete feels understood and supported, they are more likely to push themselves harder, take risks, and ultimately unlock their full potential.

Ultimately, the key to unlocking an athlete’s full potential lies not just in changing the athlete, but in examining and improving the environment in which they operate. A coach’s role goes beyond just developing the athlete’s skills; it involves cultivating a culture where growth, trust, and collaboration are at the forefront. By focusing on the environmental factors that influence performance, coaches can create a space where athletes are not only equipped to succeed, but where they can also flourish.

After all, just like a flower needs the right soil, water, and sunlight to grow, an athlete needs the right environment to reach their full potential. If the flower isn't blooming, the solution is not to blame the flower for being inadequate, but to fix the environment that surrounds it. Similarly, if an athlete isn't performing to their full capacity, it’s not just about pushing them harder; it's about assessing the environment and ensuring it provides the right conditions for them to thrive. By focusing on creating environments that nurture growth, support development, and build confidence, coaches can help athletes bloom into their best selves—unlocking their full potential and achieving success.