Most Motivational Quotes Are Trash

I think most motivational quotes are trash. Most quotes (and the people that plaster them) are shallow and empty. Catchy buzzwords that everyone has heard over and over. We've all seen coaches preach, "Hard wo...

Leech Letters - Issue 4

I think most motivational quotes are trash.

Most quotes (and the people that plaster them) are shallow and empty. Catchy buzzwords that everyone has heard over and over.

We've all seen coaches preach, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" then go out and put minimal effort into recycling a program they've run for the past 10 years.

Or the coach that harps on 'Discipline' and 'Accountability' at the start of a new year, but then doesn't uphold those standards firmly and evenly when challenged.

Reading quotes and putting them on a board can give you a brief high, a fleeting sense of inspiration. But more often than not, that's where it ends.

Real progress demands more than just feel-good statements; it requires action, grit, and sometimes, embracing the uncomfortable truth.

Now at the start of this email I said MOST quotes are trash. I do have one quote that hangs in my office:

"Let no man's ghost return to say his training let him down."

The quote is attributed to firefighters, who's training literally can mean the difference between life and death and must be taken with that level of seriousness.

But for me, it's a reminder to our Student-Athletes.

I never want an athlete to look back on their experience and say, "If only my Strength & Conditioning program was better back when I played". It's my mission to provide our athletes with the best program possible, and the best experience possible that they'll remember for the rest of their lives.

And sometimes, that does mean being a Tough Coach. Calling them out for lack of effort. Holding them accountable when their late. Challenging them to get outside their comfort zone and take on leadership responsibilities.

Because some day, that ghost is going to come back for those things too. And I don't ever want an athlete to look back on their experience with regret.

So the next time you come across a motivational quote, ask yourself – is this really helping me, or is it just a comforting echo in an echo chamber?

Stay strong and keep coaching hard,

- Leech

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