Maintaining Excellence: A Lesson from Ohio State Football and Life
Over the weekend, I posted a video on LinkedIn about why I believe Ohio State should part ways with their head coach, Ryan Day. As expected, it drew heated debate, particularly from those outside the Ohio State community. This discussion made me think deeply about standards of excellence—not just in sports but in every endeavor.
Ohio State football is not just a program; it’s a legacy. The expectations are clear: championships and victories over Michigan. Every coach knows that when they take the job. Every player, every administrator, every fan, and every citizen of the state of Ohio knows this. Falling short isn’t acceptable, regardless of other successes. That relentless pursuit of excellence is something I deeply resonate with—it’s not just a sports philosophy but a life lesson.
The Challenge of Standards
When I voiced my opinion, many non-Ohio State fans dismissed my critique. To them, Ryan Day’s overall success was enough. But they missed the nuance. Greatness isn’t measured by the general consensus of “good enough”; it’s defined by the pursuit of extraordinary outcomes. This divide reminded me of a broader truth: people often view the pursuit of excellence through the lens of their own comfort zones and expectations, which may not align with the ambitions of those striving for more.
Why This Hits Home for Me
I relate to Ohio State’s relentless drive for excellence because it mirrors my own journey. Throughout my career, I’ve been asked, “How do you manage to do so much?” It’s a fair question, often posed by well-meaning people, but the answer is simple: I expect more from myself because I want more.
That mindset drives me to work harder, set higher standards, and refuse to lower them for others’ comfort. To some, it may seem excessive or even absurd. But to me, striving for excellence has become second nature. The question is, if excellence is your baseline, what are you capable of achieving?
Lessons from Sports to Life
Ohio State football’s story is a lesson for anyone chasing greatness. Excellence isn’t about meeting others’ expectations; it’s about surpassing your own. Here are a few takeaways:
Reject Complacency: Just as Ohio State fans hold their team to championship-level standards, you must refuse to settle for less in your career or business. Your success should not be measured by what’s easy but by what challenges you to grow.
Understand the Why: Excellence stems from clarity of purpose. For Ohio State, it’s about titles and rivalries. For me, it’s about impacting lives through my work in sales, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Stay Relentless: Success is a moving target. Whether you’re coaching a team, managing a business, or leading a project, remember that consistency over time is what creates lasting impact.
Execute Under Pressure: Ohio State’s heartbreaking losses often come down to a failure to execute in critical moments. This is a reminder that preparation is everything. What you do when no one is looking—practice, refining your craft, and building your resilience—determines how you perform when the lights come on. Success in those pivotal moments is earned in the hours and days leading up to them, not in the moment itself.
My Personal Philosophy
Like Ohio State’s pursuit of greatness, my approach to work and life isn’t for everyone. It demands long hours, unyielding standards, and the courage to face opposition. But the rewards—personal growth, professional achievement, and the respect of those who value excellence—make it worthwhile.
If you’re chasing similar goals, know that the path isn’t easy. Critics will surface, and some will dismiss your efforts. But as long as you remain focused on your vision, their opinions won’t deter you. Stay true to your standards, surround yourself with those who challenge and inspire you, and keep pushing toward your version of greatness.
Whether on the football field or in the boardroom, the lessons of excellence remain the same. Set your standards, defend them fiercely, and never apologize for wanting more. Greatness doesn’t come from compromise; it comes from commitment. As Ohio State fans would agree, championships are worth the struggle—and so is your success.
About Ronnell Richards
Ronnell Richards is an award-winning entrepreneur, sales leader, and author of Shut the Hell Up and Sell. With over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, Ronnell is renowned for his practical approach to sales, combining philosophy and tactical execution to help entrepreneurs and sales professionals achieve sustainable success. As the founder of Sayless Academy and Business & Bourbon, Ronnell mentors emerging leaders, hosts transformative workshops, and shares real-world wisdom through his books and podcasts. His work reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries, fostering excellence, and empowering others to reach their full potential. Connect with Ronnell at ronnellrichards.com.
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