An Old List
“If you are walking, you are doing it wrong!” I read the words on a stained dog-eared piece of paper and could still hear Coach Dubach shouting across the practice field.
Ron Dubach was the linebackers coach for the Leo High School football team. There was never a time when it was okay to walk. When you went for a drink of water, you ran. When you moved from one station to another, you ran. When you went to get your injury taped by the trainer, yep, you ran.
I spent a lot of hours – especially during summer two-a-days – with him. I took no pride in all the extra work because “linebackers are the heart and soul of the defense”. Nope, just once, just for twenty paces, I wanted to walk. But I didn’t. I ran.
After the last game of our senior year a group of us documented our “favorite” sayings from Coach Dubach. Somebody had to – as they would surely become obsolete one day when cruel and unusual forms of punishment were outlawed.
A Fresh Look
In re-reading these favorite sayings recently, I realized they were about a lot more than football.
- “If you have the will, you will!”How true is that? It’s pretty tough to fight through difficult times if you don’t truly believe in yourself.
- “If you value something, you will protect it.” Take a look at your calendar sometime. It will tell you all you need to know about what you value in life.
- “It’s a long way around the barn to get to the house.” Hmm… so many come to mind, but how about being more succinct when speaking or writing?
- “Sign the picture you have painted.” Be proud of your work because you know you gave it your all.
- “Iron sharpens iron.” To be your very best self, you need someone to push and challenge you.
- “If a little is good, a lot is better.” So, you’ve decided to spend one morning a week reading business articles. Awesome. What would happen if you upped it to three?
- “It’s a long way from your heart.” How often do we face struggles that consume us? Surely, you’ll never survive! The funny thing is, life still goes on and you’re just fine. Why all the drama?
- “That hit was worth the price of admission!” Every day, ask yourself if you’re giving your clients their money’s worth.
- “Inch by inch, it’s a cinch. Yard by yard, it’s hard.” Your Big Hairy Audacious Goal can look intimidating at first glance. Instead focus on just the next step. Small wins will translate into big victories.
I wasn’t that good of a linebacker. I got my clock cleaned every day in our hamburger drills by guys a lot bigger and stronger than me. But Coach Dubach kept me a part of the group anyway. I might have been face down in the grass, but I popped up quickly – no matter how bad I hurt. I wasn’t about to be one of the guys that Dubach was yelling at to get up. “The grass won’t tell you anything!” He would scream, pointing out the obvious.
What’s The Risk?
Have you heard certain quips so many times, you’re just numb to them? Maybe it’s because of who is saying them to you? The risk we run is to miss a bigger but simple point. These anecdotes, no matter how corny or old, get repeated over the years for one reason. They’re true.
I bet you have a few favorites yourself. I would love to hear them and I’m betting the readers of this blog would too. Take a minute if you will and share with us below.
