In Search of Greatness is a documentary, produced and directed by Gabe Polsky, exploring unstifled creativity, unmatched passion, and unprecedented mastery with a few of the greatest athletes of our time.
Here, I’d like to share what I took away from the film.
Trailer:
What stood out to me:
1) There is no one formula for greatness.
Contrary to popular contemporary approaches by many coaches and parents, these athletes didn’t just specialize in one sport from the time they were old enough to walk. Instead, they were fortunate to experiment with multiple sports and practice methods, allowing them to learn to expand their use of their own bodies and minds.
It seems we can’t program excellence. Instead, we can and should create and uplift environments that encourage exploration, fun, and possibility.
One theme that did seem to be consistent between each of the select athletes highlighted in the film was that they all developed an unquenchable thirst for the games they played and no one else developed that for them.
2) That which cannot be measured may be immeasurable.
Many of the athletes interviewed for this film were not the most athletic, per se. Jerry Rice was not the fastest wide receiver, so he wowed fans with the most precise routes. Wayne Gretzky couldn’t bench 195 pounds, but that had no bearing on his creativity.
Unquestionably, each of these athletes’ curiosity, dedication, and pursuit of individual mastery were encouraged, supported, and promoted by people with authority (their coaches and parents).
3) What an amazing privilege it is to have parenting, guidance, and mentorship.
And sometimes the perfect match comes down to luck.
Jerry Rice, arguably the greatest receiver in the history of American football, said that without his coach, Bill Walsh, there may not be a Jerry Rice as we came to know him.
Wayne Gretzky, dubbed “The Great One,” credited his dad and coaches with never stifling or restraining his creativity.
On the contrary, many coaches either don’t care, don’t know, or they coach from a place of fear, crushing the opportunity for mastery.
Release the reins and let grow.
4) As coaches, educators, leaders, parents, and humans, we should allow room for creativity.
This means making room for unplanned, unstructured, and unorganized “play.”
What talents are you overlooking (either that currently exist or could exist)?
How will you respond to the student, employee, or athlete who questions decisions that are made?
What boundaries are you setting (on yourself or your people) needlessly?
What could they become, and what could you become, with a growth mindset?
In conclusion
A couple of years ago, after a lifetime of playing sports and a summer of studying sports leadership, I reached the conclusion that sports are not inherently good or bad, and they don’t inherently teach us lessons that can be applied outside of sport. Instead, people teach lessons, and sport can be a setting where lessons are taught and learned. I still believe this, and I’m certain we can all learn about greatness from this film.