A well-known football coach and author, Lou Holtz, is known for motivating people to act in a certain way that will increase their chances for finding success not only in sports, but in life in general.  He states, “It’s not what you have. It’s who you have.” He believes success is a choice in life that you have the prerogative to make. Therefore, you must think for a bit…Who is on your team? Do you have key people in your life that improve your chances of being successful or do those people actually bring you down?

Coach Holtz has also stated, “A day without learning is a day without living.” As a lifetime learner, I have to agree. There is so much in life that we can learn about. People, books, tapes, newspapers; we have a plethora of resources at our finger tips and shouldn’t be limited to coaches and parents. Yet, these are significant role models that mold us into the people we end up becoming. Think about characteristics that make you feel successful. Did you learn those traits on your own or did someone actually empower you to acquire admirable characteristics that allow you to shine in the eyes of others?

One comment I strongly agree with Lou Holtz is in relation to the idea that ‘everyone needs something to look forward to’. I find myself planning weekend activities or yearly trips simply to give myself something to focus on, so I am not complacent in finding myself laboring in the same daily routines. The smallest engagements or plans can add a little sparkle in the eye; whether you are looking forward to a Christmas dinner or simply viewing a new movie. The key is to stay productive and continuously plan for exciting, upcoming events or projects.

Another great comment from Coach Holtz is, “Greatness starts with belief and total commitment.” A shallow-minded person doesn’t take much time to think or plan. It is imperative that you decide what is important to you, and how you can initiate activities that will allow you to follow your beliefs while knowing which plans you will most likely be able to demonstrate a commitment towards. Remember, passions are easy to follow, but practicing commitment means you are grounded in doing what you feel is ‘right’ and will make your life more successful.

No matter what age, ethnic background, gender or economic status, it appears to me that success is found by surrounding one’s self with the right people and making wise decisions. Don’t ever allow the lack of integrity in another to compromise who you are or what you can become. Find a good leader and let that person inspire you to stay on the right track to what can be experienced as ‘greatness’ for you.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.