I was very fortunate to play college football at Hardin-Simmons University. A true blessing that helped shaped me into the man I am today. Without it, I may have failed. The lessons I learned were just as valuable on the field as they were off the field. A lot of these are Cowboy football staples that not only apply to the field but apply to life.
1. Play hard no matter what play hard.
Our coaches always talked to us about effort. Not just any effort but "unbelievable effort." No matter if you were down by 50 or up by 50, rain, snow or 100 degrees -- it didn't matter what the circumstances were, you had to play hard and give your best effort. In life, we are thrown crazy circumstances. We are often thrown into the mouth of the monster chewed up and spit out. But no matter how hard things get we have to keep giving our best effort, that unbelievable effort.
2. Stay Purple
This one is about loyalty. Loyalty to your school, loyalty to your family, loyalty to that man (or woman) next to you. You have to stay true to yourself. For those who went to Hardin-Simmons, you know what I'm talking about. We are forever bonded by our trials and successes together. Future Cowboys and past alike we are one. This is a special place. This applies in real life by remembering your roots, remember who you share an unspoken bond with.
3. Unity is the secret
In football terms, when a team is unified towards the same goal nothing can get in their way of accomplishing that goal. In life, you will be put on different teams: a business, nurses on the same floor, cohorts in grad school, etc. Once you establish your goals as a group, you must become unified in order to accomplish those goals together. Set aside your egos and "bind together for strength."
4. Make great choices.
Heard this a lot around the program. We are one bad decision away from ruining our lives. Whether that's getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking or fighting someone, or lying about your taxes or killing someone out of anger, we are the combination of all our choices. Think before you act. Think about what the effects will be.
5. Drink water. Water is life. Water is Energy.
This may sound kind of silly to put this on this list but I promise you it's important. You need to drink more water. Society likes the Sweet Teas and sodas too much. That extra sugar is terrible for you. Water is so important. "Water, water, water." *Coach Keeling Voice.*
6. Those who stay will be champions.
Don't quit when things get hard. You keep fighting for what you want and keep grinding you will be successful. Never quit just because you get stuck.
7. Rules of Perseverance.
Rule one: Take one more step.
Rule two: If you can't go any further refer to rule one.
8. Cowboys find a way.
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam:Latin for I will find a way or I will make one. There is always a way out there is always a way to be successful.You must find it or make a way. You are powerful enough to do it. There's always a way.