Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

A leader or mentor gives credit to others when things go right, and accepts the blame when things go wrong.

Coaching doesn’t start with X’s and O’s. It starts with believing that players win games and coaches win players.

Each one of us has a comfort zone. The problem comes when we are unwilling to leave it.

Don’t believe in the fate society chose for you. Instead, carve out a new fate for yourself.

We should feel grateful instead of entitled. We have a moral obligation to give back.

The true measure of a person’s character is how one handles one’s failures, not successes.

A true legacy is established over a lifetime and relates to what a human being does for others, not for himself.

As cruel as life might be at times, if you throw in the towel, which is what everyone will expect, then nothing good will happen and your life will fall apart. Be better than that!

In the marathon of life, there is no finish line.

Nothing profound ever happens in your life when you remain in your comfort zone.

There is one possession that can never be taken away as long as you will not allow it to be taken, and that is your word.

You can’t be a successful leader or mentor until you have served. You can’t serve until you have stepped out of your comfort zone. And you can’t step out of your comfort zone unless you have character and keep your word.

It is never too late to show true character.

Grace is not something one possesses; instead, grace is something one receives.

How did you act when all was not good? Did you rise to the challenge? Did you display grit, resilience, and integrity in your response? Character isn't about being perfect or always doing the right thing. Character is how you respond to your own failures. It’s when you screw up and life hits you in the mouth that you have an opportunity to reveal your inner strength.

In our community, we have a duty to strengthen the weakest among us to build a better society.

Serving and attempting to inspire others is a responsibility, not a choice.

Every great thing that has been accomplished, and is yet to be accomplished, starts with a dream.

The effectiveness of a leader is best judged by the actions of those he guides.

If you define yourself by the title of coach or boss, you’ll never earn real trust from your players or employees.

Recognize the remarkable individuals in your life who help you envision a world far beyond yourself.

Many men beg for a job but have no clue what hard work really means.

We have the ability to survive anything.

You are more in control of your destiny than you have ever imagined.

Who you are should not be defined by your achievements.

Only by entering new and unfamiliar worlds can a person change society as well as self.

Internal character: how you behave when no one is watching.