I finished reading Lou Holtz’s autobiography, Wins, Losses, and Lessons, and I really liked the book. I was looking forward to reading this book with high expectations, and Coach Holtz delivered.
His coaching philosophy strongly correlates with what I mention here: the value of hard work, paying attention to detail, etc. Coach Holtz also covers a lot of valuable information for athletes, while not sacrificing the book’s readability. During reading, I highlighted passages I felt were very important and that would be beneficial for us here at the Athlete Resource Center.
Here are the 12 pieces of advice for athletes based on quotes I selected from Lou Holtz’s autobiography:
1. The value of practice.
No individual or team can perform under pressure without preparation.
Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
2. Appreciating the small things.
…you should enjoy life’s blessings, no matter how small, when you can, because they won’t last forever.
3. Making difficult decisions.
WIN is an acronym for ‘What’s important now?’ the question I have always asked myself when facing tough decisions.
4. Sacrifice.
No achievement, great or small, comes without sacrifice.
5. Dealing with criticism from others.
Sure, the criticism stung, but I internalized it, made it a challenge, a competition with those who thought I couldn’t make it, even though they had no idea I was competing against them.
6. Effort.
I told them, ‘If you’re going to do something, do it to the best of your ability. If not, don’t waste your time or mine.’
7. Believing in yourself.
Nothing was more important than belief in myself.
8. Success.
No one but you determines your success in life. Making the right choices paves your way.
Successful people adapt to change, even thrive on it, while those who dread and resist change have trouble.
9. The importance of appearances.
…appearances matter, so make yours a good one.
10. The importance of talent vs other attributes.
Persistence is, in my mind, the quality that is most critical to success and happiness. Nothing takes the place of persistance. Talent won’t; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Commitment beats talent every time.
11. Internal vs external rewards.
You work hard and suffer because it makes you a better man. If the rewards you seek are found in the praise and adulation of others, you are destined for disappointment, because the moment you drop one pass, or lose one game, the cheering stops and the praise goes away. Internal rewards, the ones you gain from pain, sweat, and tears, stick with you forever.
12. The importance of discipline.
Until we learn to have self-discipline, we cannot control our own destiny. Self-discipline is the greatest asset an individual can possess.
Throughout the year, I had told our athletes that perfection required discipline, perseverence, and faith, but discipline above all else.
Read over these quotes and think about their application to your life. What areas do you need improvement? Which of these areas do you excel in? We all can learn a lot from Mr. Holtz’s words if we apply them to our lives.
Looking for more advice from coaches and athletes? Check out some advice from Tony Dungy based on a reading of his book, or two interviews I conducted: one with strongman and rugby player Ben Hanson, and one with grip strength champion Jedd “Napalm” Johnson.
