The game of football changed my life and taught me so many valuable life and business lessons, but playing for Indiana football changed my life most profoundly. While Indiana University isn’t a Big Ten football powerhouse, the program holds a special place in my heart. The reason for this significance isn’t just the game itself but the people behind it—like Coach Terry Hoeppner, my college football coach who brought me to Indiana.
So it was an incredibly special opportunity for me to return to my alma mater and speak to the Indiana football team. I shared key lessons I learned from Coach Hep that have completely transformed my life. In some ways, Indiana’s current head coach, Tom Allen, reminds me of Coach Hep. His enthusiasm for Indiana football is unparalleled, as is his genuine affection for his players.
Speaking to Indiana Football Highlights
Going back to my alma mater and speaking to the team was an incredible opportunity to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned and share insights that have shaped my life. Here are a few key takeaways from that experience:
Indiana Football: No Excuses for Success
While Indiana football may not yet be regarded as a premier destination for college football, the program’s success depends on a deliberate focus on accepting full responsibility for the current situation. The easy thing to do is to play the blame game and make excuses, but that is not how champions operate. To fully advance and change the course of any team, business, or even life, there must be rigor in taking control of the controllables. We all have control over how we show up, prepare, and put forth effort.
Get Better Today
When I first arrived at Indiana, Coach Hep had ‘GBT’ written on our shirts, shorts, and the walls of the facility. It’s an acronym for Get Better Today. This philosophy became a cornerstone of our culture under Coach Hep, instilling a culture of daily improvement and relentless effort. I remember seeing ‘GBT’ every day as a constant reminder that success wasn’t about one big moment but about the small, consistent efforts we made. Focusing more on the process than a specific goal is the essence of Get Better Today. It doesn’t imply that we are less committed to achieving the goal. Instead, we are now focused on the steps needed to achieve it.
Set the Bar High – Then Jump Over It
The phrase “set the bar high and then jump over it” is one of my favorite Coach Hep sayings that I continue to use in my own life. This saying was a reminder that success comes from setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to exceed them—both on and off the field. During my time with Indiana football, this mindset pushed us to aim higher every day, whether it was in practice, in the classroom, or in life. When I addressed the Indiana football team, I emphasized the necessity of daily commitment to the pursuit of excellence.
