There's a lot of talk these days about giving children self-esteem. It's not something you can give; it's something they have to build. Coach Graham worked in a no-coddling zone. Self-esteem? He knew there was really only one way to teach kids how to develop it: You give them something they can't do, they work hard until they find they can do it, and you just keep repeating the process.

Engineering isn't about perfect solutions; it's about doing the best you can with limited resources.

Don’t complain; just work harder.

When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you.

You may not want to hear it, but your critics are often the ones telling you they still love you and care about you, and want to make you better.

I don't believe in the no-win scenario

Find the best in everybody. Wait long enough, and people will surprise and impress you. It might even take years, but people will show you their good side. Just keep waiting.