The Pursuit of Excellence: The Uncommon Behaviors of the World's Most Productive Achievers

by Ryan Hawk

I recently went out to dinner with my high school football coach, Ron Ullery. I’ve written a lot about the impact that Coach Ullery has had on me. His work ethic, attention to detail, and overall preparedness for every aspect of coaching a team inspired me to try to be more like him. His willingness to push me beyond what I thought I was capable of was driven by his love and care for my teammates and me. It meant everything. Our wives joined us for a night out. At dinner, I looked him in the eye and told him the impact he had on me. I thanked him. And I told his wife, Lara, that her husband had changed my life. Coach Ullery gave that knowing nod of approval and gratitude. Even in this moment, at a dinner table so many years later, I still wanted to make him proud. It’s amazing the impact mentors and coaches can have on your life. Be that person for others. As Tyler Cowen said, it may cost you relatively little, but it could mean the world to others. Be intentional about whom you can help. And encourage them to aim a bit higher.