When I talk about a successful program, define that. It's not just winning the national championship every year because nobody can do that.
Interpretation
Success is not solely measured by winning, but by achieving set goals and values.
In this quote, Nick Saban emphasizes that success should not be simplistically defined as winning championships every year, as that is an unrealistic expectation. Instead, true success encompasses consistently working towards defined objectives, fostering growth, and measuring progress beyond just outcomes.
In practice
In a motivational speech for student-athletes discussing what it means to be successful beyond just winning.
I don't want people to think I'm not happy when we win - I am. But there's a difference between being happy for the feeling of accomplishing something and being overjoyed and feeling, 'This is it - we conquered the world.' We didn't. We just won a game.
I don't believe you name a starter until the starter wins the team.
People talk about you won four national championships. Well, I feel like we've had good enough teams to win eight. So I feel like we failed four times. I feel like I failed four times.
What happened yesterday is history. What happens tomorrow is a mystery. What we do today makes a difference - the precious present moment.
I think the worst thing a player can do is just not be yourself.
I think when you win the national championship, it works throughout your team. Where human nature is to say, I did well. I got my quota this month. Now do I get some time off? Do I get a bonus? Do I get to go on a cruise? But it's not to keep trying to be the best. That's not necessarily human nature.
The great ones have the ability to focus and tune everything else out and see more than the others. Average quarterbacks have tunnel vision. They see what's in front of them. The better you get, the more that tunnel expands, and the more guys on the field you see.
Which would you rather be, a conqueror in the Olympic games, or the crier that proclaims who are conquerors?
I would prefer to grow with the team inside Nintendo rather than taking anyone from outside. It would be a joy for me if someone who was working with me became a big success.
I have the greatest job in the world. Only one person can have it. You have shortstops on other teams - I'm not knocking other teams - but there's only one shortstop on the Yankees.
Once you agree upon the price you and your family must pay for success, it enables you to ignore the minor hurts, the opponent's pressure, and the temporary failures.
No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself.
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