I read somewhere that when a plane is in flight, it's basically off course most of time, but its radar system, knowing its destination, continually makes the proper adjustments to get it back on track and ultimately to where it's going.
And with us too?
In December of 1994, I was that plane. In a bookstore, I happened upon the "Coaching Football" by Tom Flores and Bob O'Connor. I was going somewhere yet nowhere. In chapter 2, entitled "Why We Play the Game," there's a section devoted to an overview of how Homer C. Rice (former Georgia Tech athletic director and college and professional coach) talks about how he went from dirt poverty to those lofty postions. I was intrigued. He discussed the role that football played in his success, how the game taught him to overcome adversity, and how to set goals. I was motivated to reach out to him, so I wrote him a letter.
He responded by sending me a very personal letter and a book that he had written called "The Attitude Technique." This book became my "radar system" as I, with blind faith, implemented the practices that he used to successfully transform his life. He also mentioned another book which his father had given to him when he was a young boy. That book was called "I Dare You," by William Danforth (the founder of The Ralston Purina Company). "I Dare You" is about how to live the "Four Square Life" (and if you ever buy any product made by Purina, you'll notice that the company's logo is the "four square checkerboard.") That checkerboard is based on Danforth's "four square" philosophy for living. After more letter writing to other coaches, I was astonished to discover that many of these same coaches had used Rice's "Attitude Technique" as part of their team's overall football program.
Both books and the subsequent correspondence I had with Homer Rice, literally changed my life. Since then, I have purchased multiple copies of "I Dare You" which I give to my students to read on a rotating basis. Every student gets one week to read the book, sign and date it upon completion, and return it to me to pass along to the next pair of students to read.
So "I Dare You." If not now, when. Remember this: all can, some will, but most won't. Which group are you in?
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Comments (18)
Never heard of it before. Sounds interesting though. Ill keep an eye out for it.
E4P Is Not So Mad For Max | 03/26/08, 08:41 PM
Report Offensive CommentOff to the library now! Great blog
Your Leader....WOW | 03/26/08, 08:42 PM
Report Offensive CommentGreat blog, I am going to try to check that book out
Dawgee Fresh | 03/26/08, 08:43 PM
Report Offensive CommentYou must be a great teacher - since you're even teaching me over the Internet.
Marc.H | 03/26/08, 09:00 PM
Report Offensive Commentcool,ill even try to find the book,but not now,stupid math hw:(
Nyfan | 03/26/08, 09:15 PM
Report Offensive CommentGood blog...I will look for that book...
badgerfan07 got tickets | 03/26/08, 09:37 PM
Report Offensive CommentI need to read that. I really need to read that.
J. HOVA: MISTER UNTOUCHABLE | 03/26/08, 09:43 PM
Report Offensive CommentI think we ALL need a remedial course taught to us by Gator. I know I'M learning more every time I read one of these blogs...
DC Sports Nut: Nastier Nats | 03/26/08, 10:54 PM
Report Offensive CommentMost won't because they fear failure. I heard a great quote recently, but can't remember the author. It goes like this: If you want to succeed, double your failure rate.
Another excellent blog, Gator. Full of red meat.
CSP | 03/26/08, 11:08 PM
Report Offensive CommentGood blog.
dyhard is Walter Johnson | 03/26/08, 11:31 PM
Report Offensive CommentI will have to go look for the book.
dyhard is Walter Johnson | 03/26/08, 11:31 PM
Report Offensive CommentThanks to everyone who's read and or commented on this post. FYI, to get "I Dare You," you'll have to try amazon or better yet, ebay. I've found multiple good condition copies through ebay. Thanks again.
RUGator | 03/26/08, 11:35 PM
Report Offensive CommentI am on my way to Barnes and Noble tonight! Maybe you could start the RUGator book of the month club, like Oprah....for men.
xxx84xxx | 03/27/08, 03:35 PM
Report Offensive CommentCSP-- I like that quote, kinda goes along with the thought that even the best major league hitters fail 70% of the time!
xxx84xxx | 03/27/08, 03:39 PM
Report Offensive CommentOr how about a new talk show, "Dr. Ill?"
RUGator | 03/27/08, 03:39 PM
Report Offensive Commentyes perfect, I'll be your first disfunctional guest!
xxx84xxx | 03/27/08, 03:52 PM
Report Offensive Commentxxx, there can be no doubt. lmao
RUGator | 03/27/08, 04:27 PM
Report Offensive CommentI wish I had a clever comment to write, highly intellectual and statesmanesque, but I' go with, Caaaassseeellllaaaa ! Your awesome !!!!
wanttogotoallgatorgames | 05/03/08, 05:09 PM
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