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One of the biggest mistakes I see coaches make?
They have zero strategy for how they use their time outside of the office.
Between practice, recruiting, meetings, travel, and all the “little things” that stack up fast, most coaches feel like they’re just trying to survive the week — not build toward something bigger.
But if your long-term goals include building a winning program and building a great life — you need better habits. And that starts with how you use your non-coaching time.
Yes — I’m talking about hobbies.
But not just to relax or kill time. The right hobbies will help you think better, lead better, feel better — and even earn more.
Here are the 6 types of hobbies I coach college coaches to build into their routines.
1. A hobby to build your coaching knowledge
Study trends. Read leadership books. Listen to recruiting podcasts. Watch how other top coaches operate. Learning is a performance edge. The best coaches never stop studying the game — or how to run it smarter.
2. A hobby that makes you money
You already work long hours — but a small side hustle can create freedom down the line.
Start a camp. Write an e-book and sell it online. Sell your coaching plan. A few extra hundred dollars a month can go a long way. You don’t need a second job — just something small that builds options.
3. A hobby that keeps you in shape
Let’s be honest: It’s hard to lead at a high level when you’re always tired or sore.
Make movement non-negotiable. Go for walks. Hit a 20-minute workout. Stretch while watching film. More energy = better decisions.
4. A hobby that sparks your creativity
Designing practices. Writing recruiting pitches. Problem-solving on the fly. Coaching is creative.
Write. Draw. Play music. Cook. Do something that gets you out of “coach mode” and lets you tap into a different part of your brain.
5. A hobby that evolves your mindset
How you think is how you lead.
Journal. Meditate. Read outside your sport. Get into topics like stoicism or psychology. Anything that helps you grow your awareness and composure under pressure.
6. A hobby that saves you money
Start learning about finances. Track your budget. Take control of your personal money like you would your program’s. Being smart with your money gives you more freedom to make decisions based on what’s right — not just what pays.
Try This: Small Shift, Big Return
Most coaches plan their free time around whatever is left over.
Instead, try planning your week around these 6 types of hobbies first — then build the rest around it.
Even 30 minutes a week per category can change how you feel, lead, and live.
Your Action Plan:
- Pick 2 hobbies from the list that you’re not doing consistently.
- Block out 30 minutes for each this week — and protect that time.
- Stick with it for 30 days and track the impact.
I coach hundreds of coaches on habits like these. They’re small, simple, and incredibly powerful when done with intention.
This is how you build a sustainable, successful coaching career — without burning out.
Want help turning habits into momentum? Reach out. I’ve got you.
—
Mandy Green
Productivity Coach for College Coaches
Here are some other ways I can help you:
To leverage your time:
High Performance Coach and Recruiter
To leverage your staff:
Assistant Coach Accelerator
To leverage your recruiting system:
Recruiting Made Simple
How to stay consistent with social media for recruiting purposes:
Social Story Recruiting
The Busy Coach Planner is something I think every college coach should have on their desk for the start of 2025. Grab one here and start fresh, organized and dialed in next year.
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