“Dig your well before you’re thirsty,” is a metaphor for preparing in advance for times of need or difficulty. Productivity and sales author Harvey McKay wrote a book of the same title in 1999, and the adage is apropos today as it was over a quarter century ago. It reminds us to prepare for future needs in advance rather than waiting until it is too late. The ancient version of the proverb is attributed to Chinese philosopher Zhu Xi, and it is a common saying across various cultures, including a Japanese proverb that says, “When you feel thirsty, it is too late to start thinking about digging a well.” Even the earliest recorded stories from Genesis teach the idea of preparation and work today, as a worthy sacrifice for the benefits of tomorrow. Regardless of source, the core message is proactively addressing potential problems before they become critical.
I was recently contacted by two different high school coaches. One was inquiring about bringing the offensive linemen from his youth program to one of my OLine Clinics to develop for their future. The other was asking if I knew of any OLine Coaches looking for a job since he has no one on his staff with OLine experience. These are coaches who are digging their well before they are thirsty and are great examples of proactively addressing a potential problem before it is a crisis.
Whether in networking, relationship building, or skill development, we can help coaches and players “dig their wells before they are thirsty,” at upcoming Alercio OLine Clinics. Join us this Spring as we work hard, sacrifice now, and prepare to reap the benefits this Fall, and for years to come!
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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