335. Huddle Up With Coach Mackey - How to Prevent Burnout: 4 Keys to Staying in the Game for the Long Haul - Coaching Tips & Lessons

Coach 360

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Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s the slow erosion of passion, purpose, and energy that can take even the best coaches out of the game. If you’ve ever found yourself drained, disconnected, or questioning if you can keep going, you’re not alone.

In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Host Colton Leonard visits with Coach Stephen Mackey as they dive into the real causes of burnout and outline a four-step process to help coaches finish strong instead of flaming out. Whether you’re a veteran coach or just starting your journey, these principles will help you stay energized, focused, and in the game for the long haul.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

Burnout happens slowly and then all at once. Recognizing the early warning signs—like emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a low sense of accomplishment—can prevent total burnout.
Rhythm and intention matter. Without daily habits that fuel you, it’s easy to run on empty and lose sight of why you started coaching in the first place.
Reflection combats recency bias. Bad weeks don’t define your career—taking time to reflect on your progress and wins keeps you grounded in reality.
Refueling is non-negotiable. Just like a truck pulling a heavy load burns fuel faster, the more responsibility you carry, the more intentional you need to be about recharging.
Focus on what truly matters. The best coaches aren’t just busy—they’re focused on the right work. Avoid distractions, set priorities, and align your efforts with your greater purpose.

MORE ABOUT COACH MACKEY

Stephen Mackey is a keynote speaker, and founder of 2Words Character Development. Building on the Six Pillars of a Championship Character – Toughness, Integrity, Belief, Excellence, Effort, and Service – he helps equip players, teams and organizations elevate their performance by building a culture of character. If you would like to connect with Coach Mackey, invite him to speak at an event, or receive his weekly encouragements texts, click here to visit Stephen Mackey's Zaap page with all of his most current related links and information.

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#Sports #Stephen Mackey #2Words Character Development #High School #Podcasting Education #Colton Leonard