Two Things I Learned on Tuesday from Lou Holtz

Two Things I Learned on Tuesday from Lou Holtz

Every time I get to catch up with Lou Holtz is a complete honor. The man is obviously a coaching legend, but also one of the best motivators in the world. He’s also close with a good friend of mine, Harvey Mackay.

It’s no surprise that Lou won a national title coaching one of the most storied programs in the history of college sports. He is always someone I’ve looked up to not only because of all his success, but more importantly, the process that he followed to get there.

Lou came by the office recently and I had a chance to talk with him about that process. Here are two things I learned from him that day:

Whenever you reach a milestone in life, think about who got you there. 

Whether you realize it or not, your family is the most important thing in your life. Be conscious of it more often.

You do not have the right to let a teammate fail.

The people you work with rely on you to accomplish their goals, as you do for them. Don’t let them down.

BONUS: “It’s your life, so you run it.”

Lou told me that when his son was at one of his coaching stops, he gave a greater responsibility to the assistant coaches he was working with at the time. But, Lou said that was a mistake. “It’s your life, so you run it.” There’s no need to try to control everything, but keep in mind that the actions of others can dictate what happens to you if you’re not careful. Be in control of what you can control.