Against the Grain Quotes

“A leader or mentor gives credit to others when things go right, and accepts the blame when things go wrong.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Coaching doesn’t start with X’s and O’s. It starts with believing that players win games and coaches win players.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Each one of us has a comfort zone. The problem comes when we are unwilling to leave it.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“As cruel as life might be at times, if you throw in the towel, which is what everyone will expect, then nothing good will happen and your life will fall apart. Be better than that!”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Don’t believe in the fate society chose for you. Instead, carve out a new fate for yourself.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“We should feel grateful instead of entitled. We have a moral obligation to give back.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Nothing profound ever happens in your life when you remain in your comfort zone.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“A true legacy is established over a lifetime and relates to what a human being does for others, not for himself.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“The true measure of a person’s character is how one handles one’s failures, not successes.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“There is one possession that can never be taken away as long as you will not allow it to be taken, and that is your word.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“In our community, we have a duty to strengthen the weakest among us to build a better society.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“In the marathon of life, there is no finish line.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“How did you act when all was not good? Did you rise to the challenge? Did you display grit, resilience, and integrity in your response? Character isn't about being perfect or always doing the right thing. Character is how you respond to your own failures. It’s when you screw up and life hits you in the mouth that you have an opportunity to reveal your inner strength.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“The effectiveness of a leader is best judged by the actions of those he guides.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Every great thing that has been accomplished, and is yet to be accomplished, starts with a dream.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Serving and attempting to inspire others is a responsibility, not a choice.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“If you define yourself by the title of coach or boss, you’ll never earn real trust from your players or employees.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Grace is not something one possesses; instead, grace is something one receives.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“It is never too late to show true character.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“You can’t be a successful leader or mentor until you have served. You can’t serve until you have stepped out of your comfort zone. And you can’t step out of your comfort zone unless you have character and keep your word.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Internal character: how you behave when no one is watching.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Many men beg for a job but have no clue what hard work really means.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“We have the ability to survive anything.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Only by entering new and unfamiliar worlds can a person change society as well as self.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Recognize the remarkable individuals in your life who help you envision a world far beyond yourself.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“Who you are should not be defined by your achievements.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

“You are more in control of your destiny than you have ever imagined.”
― Bill Courtney, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love