I also think my dad would be reminding me that kids — more than anything else — need to know their parents love them. Their parents don't have to be alive for that to happen.

People are more important than things.

If nobody ever worried about what was in other people's heads, we’d all be 33 percent more effective in our lives and our jobs.

educators best serve students by helping them be more self-reflective. The only way any of us can improve—as Coach Graham taught me—is if we develop a real ability to assess ourselves. If we can’t accurately do that, how can we tell if we’re getting better or worse?

Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.

If you want something bad enough, never give up (and take a boost when offered).

Don’t complain; just work harder.