How Can I Get 1% Better Today?
The Answer: Get a Coach.
In the mid-16th century, the word “coach” referred to a large, four-wheeled covered carriage. The term came from the French word coche and the Hungarian word kocsi, meaning carriage. The name originated in the small Hungarian town of Kocs, where superior carts and wagons were first designed.
So originally, a coach was something that carried people from one place to another. The meaning we use today began at Oxford University in the 1830s. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, students used the word “coach” as slang for a tutor who would “carry” them through an exam.
Think about that for a moment. The meaning still holds true today. A coach helps carry someone from where they are to where they want to go. In 1861, the term expanded into sports, referring to someone who provides special instruction and training for an athletic contest. From there, the word spread into business, leadership, and personal development.
But the heart of the word never changed. A coach moves people forward.
And here’s the truth: We all need a coach.
Behind almost every great athlete, CEO, business owner, or leader, you will find someone who helped guide them, challenge them, and sharpen them. Even the best performers in the world understand something important: You can only see so much from inside your own game.
A coach brings perspective. A coach brings accountability. A coach brings growth.
This week, ask yourself: Who is helping carry you to your next level? Find someone who can challenge you, guide you, and push you forward. Because when you find the right coach, something powerful happens…
Your growth accelerates. And that’s how we get 1% better today.
— John Perry