Lou Holtz is more than just a college football coaching legend—he’s a master motivator, a sharp thinker, and a man of integrity. Over his long and storied career, he’s inspired players, leaders, and everyday people with his no-nonsense life philosophy and powerful words.
Known for leading Notre Dame to a national championship and instilling discipline and belief in every team he coached, Lou Holtz’s quotes continue to resonate with anyone seeking purpose, leadership, and motivation.
In this article, we explore 40 of Lou Holtz’s most impactful quotes, categorized into four powerful themes: Success, Leadership, Motivation, and Character.
1. Lou Holtz on Success and Winning
Holtz was obsessed not just with winning games—but with doing what it takes to win at life. His definition of success went beyond scoreboards. It was about preparation, consistency, and heart.
10 Quotes on Success and Winning
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“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
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“Winners and losers aren’t born, they are the products of how they think.”
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“You’re never as good as everyone tells you when you win, and you’re never as bad as they say when you lose.”
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“If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven’t done anything today.”
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“The price of success is hard work, dedication, and a little extra effort.”
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“Everyone wants to win, but not everyone is willing to prepare to win.”
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“You can’t win unless you learn how to lose.”
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“I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.”
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“If you’re bored with life, you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things—you don’t have enough goals.”
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“Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”
Lou Holtz reminds us that success is earned, not given. His quotes show that it’s not about flashy victories, but about discipline, heart, and the drive to get better every day.
2. Lou Holtz on Leadership and Teamwork
As a coach, Holtz built not just great athletes, but great teams. His leadership philosophy emphasized trust, discipline, and building people up.
10 Quotes on Leadership and Teamwork
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“You don’t inspire your teammates by showing them how amazing you are. You inspire them by showing them how amazing they are.”
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“It’s not the load that breaks you, it’s the way you carry it.”
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“The way you motivate a football team is to eliminate the things that cause you to lose.”
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“No one has ever drowned in sweat.”
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“Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.”
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“I think everyone should experience defeat at least once during their career. You learn a lot from it.”
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“You were not born a winner, and you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself to be.”
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“The standards you establish for others must reflect the standards you set for yourself.”
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“Motivation is simple. You eliminate those who are not motivated.”
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“I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary.”
Holtz’s leadership style blended tough love with inspiration. He believed that every person could lead by example and that true teamwork came from shared accountability and belief.
3. Lou Holtz on Motivation and Discipline
Lou Holtz believed success starts with how you show up—every day. Motivation and discipline were non-negotiables in his coaching playbook, and his quotes ignite that same fire in others.
10 Quotes on Motivation and Discipline
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“Discipline is not what you do to yourself, it’s what you do for yourself.”
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“Don’t ever promise more than you can deliver, but always deliver more than you promise.”
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“Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.”
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“When all is said and done, more is said than done.”
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“Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated.”
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“Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period.”
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“The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it.”
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“Work isn’t a punishment; it’s a blessing. It means you’re alive.”
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“If you want to be happy for an hour, eat a steak. If you want to be happy for a day, play golf. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, put your faith in people.”
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“If you’ve been there, no explanation is necessary. If you haven’t, no explanation will do.”
Holtz’s no-excuses mindset made him a legend. His motivational quotes teach us that consistent effort and personal accountability are the bedrock of long-term success.
4. Lou Holtz on Life, Character, and Legacy
Beyond sports, Lou Holtz believed in living a meaningful life. His quotes on character and legacy reveal his deep belief in humility, service, and doing what’s right—on and off the field.
10 Quotes on Life and Character
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“Don’t tell your problems to other people. Eighty percent don’t care and the other twenty percent are glad you have them.”
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“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.”
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“Life is a classroom. Only those who are willing to be lifelong learners will move to the head of the class.”
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“If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven’t done anything today.”
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“I never learn anything talking. I only learn things when I ask questions.”
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“You’re not entitled to anything. You have to earn it every single day.”
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“When you stop growing, you start dying.”
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“Nothing on earth is standing still—it’s either growing or dying.”
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“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.”
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“Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.”
Lou Holtz lived with intention. His life lessons challenge us to live with character, focus on what we can control, and leave a legacy built on integrity, not trophies.
Final Thoughts
Lou Holtz’s quotes are more than sports clichés—they’re life strategies. From locker rooms to boardrooms, his words inspire people to take ownership, rise above challenges, and live with passion and purpose.
Whether you’re chasing success, leading a team, or simply trying to be your best self, Lou Holtz’s wisdom lights the way:
“Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated.”
That’s the Lou Holtz playbook—and it works far beyond football.