WIN

Lou Holtz is one of the best motivational speakers, leaders and mentors. His faith is ever present in his communication and his teachings are often grounded in the Word. One of his most often repeated coaching tips is his definition of WIN.

He says this stands for "What's Important Now". He reminds his players you must have goals and not just a wish list of things you would like to achieve. Goals are proactive while a wish list is reactive. To achieve these goals you simply need to ask what is important now to achieve them.

The simplicity of the WIN principle should not be underestimated. It encapsulates so many truisms. Foremost, you can't purchase success individually or with a team. The highest payroll does not automatically win the championship.

Winning and success come from within the individual and their ability to prioritize what is important now to the team's goal for success. Everyone within the organization has a role to play and each person must be willing to do their part for the overall success.

On our football team, the scout players are crucial to our success or failure. If a player views this task as not worthy of his time then he is hurting both himself and the team.

If we want to be successful as a team then we must create a culture of success and this is when every member of the team (coaches, players, trainers, etc.) take the time to ask what is important now.

It will be 100 degrees at practice today, having enough water will be critical to our success. It rained yesterday and the field is muddy so having towels to insure we have good grip on the ball is important now. A player wants to play at the next level so getting a good SAT score is crucial. That means studying is important now.

How do we create a culture of success? Coach Holtz has a simple formula. Everyone asks "what's important now" in relation to three simple team rules.

1. Do what's right. It is right to be on time, it is right to be respectful,it is right to be honest

2. Don't accept mediocrity from yourself and others.

3. Practice the Golden Rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

God has the same three team rules. He calls upon us to do what is right.

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." James 4:17.

He tells us to hold ourselves and others accountable.

"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him," Luke 17:3.

Finally, the Golden Rule is from the bible in Matthew

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12

Throughout your day and your life begin prioritizing what is important now. When seeking success remember Coach Holtz's WIN maxim and apply it to your life and share it with others.