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Old School Grit: Times May Change, But the Rules for Success Never Do
The 15 Unbreakable Rules for Building Grit and Achieving Your Dreams!Psychologists tell us that the secret to a successful and happy life, more than anything else, is something called GRIT. Defined as the willpower to persevere with passion and a sense of purpose, research shows that grit is what matters most in whether a person succeeds or fails.That same research shows that previous generations had a lot more grit than today’s younger generations. This isn’t surprising. After all, most of us would agree that those older, wiser, and tougher members of the Greatest Generation are prime examples of what it means to persevere, to never back down, and to make sacrifices for a greater purpose. We could all use more of the OLD SCHOOL GRIT they embraced.In this inspirational fable, Bob Flanagan represents the voice of old school grit. A legendary college basketball coach who thinks like John Wooden and talks like Mike Ditka, Flanagan is entering the final days of his coaching career. While his team tries to advance through the NCAA postseason tournament, Flanagan uses his last days as a coach to write his grandchildren letters revealing the rules for a successful and happy life. The rules of grit.Though Coach Flanagan’s letters are intended for his grandchildren, they might as well be for America in general. This is a man who lives by the old school code of faith, family, courage, and character; and he believes too many people have gone soft these days. They give up on their dreams too easily. They whine, complain, and pass the blame. They spend all their time and energy trying to avoid challenges instead of bucking up and powering through them.Flanagan’s letters are a rallying cry for toughening up and building grit. His fifteen rules provide a clear path to success in any endeavor.Consider this book an instruction manual for getting back to the values that truly lead to success and developing the type of old school grit that will get you through anything.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2016
554 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 13, 2017
very simple and straight forward kind of stuff. something that is sorely lacking in today's society.
January 29, 2023
A very simple, straightforward read. Started off slow for me but I’m glad I didn’t put it down. This book is great. The way it was written is unique too, letters by a legendary basketball coach on his way out to the pearly gates to his granddaughter; sharing to her some really valuable life lessons. This book was recommended to me by my flight commander.
May 16, 2024
This is an inspiring fable about fifteen different rules to building GRIT.
This is the second book in Darrin Donnelly’s great Sports for the Soul series.
I read ALL SIX (!) of the books in the series in less than a week. I highly recommend ALL of them.
I loved the first one (Think Like a Warrior) and, with each book I read, I got more and more impressed with Donnelly’s ability to share grounded, scientifically-valid wisdom within the context of incredibly (!) inspiring fables. Think: If Paulo Coelho wrote sports fables. (They’re truly that good.)
This book, as you can probably imagine by the title, is all about how to build GRIT. It features an NCAA basketball coach named Coach Flanagan in his 43rd and final season writing letters to his grandchildren about how to develop grit in their lives via fifteen different rules.
Coach Flanagan is a blend of John Wooden’s old-fashioned morals, Mike Ditka’s no-nonsense persona, Lou Holtz’s can-do optimism and strict discipline, and Vince Lombardi’s no-excuses, high expectations, never-back-down attitude. In other words, he’s awesome.
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. The Science of Grit - Angela Duckworth says...
2. The 15 Rules of Grit - Here they are.
3. Finish Strong - Like a champion, Hero.
4. Don’t Waste a Day! - Consistency is a superpower.
5. What It Means to Be Gritty - Struck down, we rise again.
Also, I’ve added Old School Grit by Darrin Donnelly to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
“The people who achieve the most success in life are not those who somehow find a way to avoid making mistakes or encountering obstacles. No, mistakes and obstacles are an unavoidable part of life. The most successful people are those who are willing to keep moving forward after making mistakes. They find a way not to avoid life’s inevitable obstacles but to overcome them!
In a similar way, happiness doesn’t come from living a life free of adversity—a standard that is impossible to achieve. Rather, happiness comes from the contentment of knowing you have what it takes to overcome any adversity that will come your way.
With this in mind, it’s not surprising that psychologists now tell us that the secret to a successful and happy life is something called grit.
Defined as willpower to persevere with passion and a sense of purpose, grit is what matters most in whether a person succeeds or fails. Numerous studies confirm that when it comes to achievement, grit is the difference-maker. Contrary to popular opinion, even a person’s IQ, talent, and upbringing takes a backseat to grit on the road to achieving one’s goals. ...
Consider this book an instruction manual for getting back to the values that truly lead to success and developing the type of old school grit that will get you through anything.”
~ Darrin Donnelly from Old School Grit
This is the second book in Darrin Donnelly’s great Sports for the Soul series.
I read ALL SIX (!) of the books in the series in less than a week. I highly recommend ALL of them.
I loved the first one (Think Like a Warrior) and, with each book I read, I got more and more impressed with Donnelly’s ability to share grounded, scientifically-valid wisdom within the context of incredibly (!) inspiring fables. Think: If Paulo Coelho wrote sports fables. (They’re truly that good.)
This book, as you can probably imagine by the title, is all about how to build GRIT. It features an NCAA basketball coach named Coach Flanagan in his 43rd and final season writing letters to his grandchildren about how to develop grit in their lives via fifteen different rules.
Coach Flanagan is a blend of John Wooden’s old-fashioned morals, Mike Ditka’s no-nonsense persona, Lou Holtz’s can-do optimism and strict discipline, and Vince Lombardi’s no-excuses, high expectations, never-back-down attitude. In other words, he’s awesome.
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. The Science of Grit - Angela Duckworth says...
2. The 15 Rules of Grit - Here they are.
3. Finish Strong - Like a champion, Hero.
4. Don’t Waste a Day! - Consistency is a superpower.
5. What It Means to Be Gritty - Struck down, we rise again.
Also, I’ve added Old School Grit by Darrin Donnelly to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
May 2, 2019
Theme: Never give up and persevere through the toughest of obstacles. The book shows this by having a 10 seed advance through March Madness after losing their best player.
March 7, 2025
Lots of great information in this book. I enjoyed it. Below are some of my takeaways:
The most successful people are not those who make achievement, rather those who continue even after failure.
Happiness does not come from a life free of adversity, but from knowing you have what it takes to overcome any adversity that comes your way.
Grit is the difference make. It determines if a person will continue whether they succeed or fail.
You are not born a winner or born a loser; you are what you make yourself to be.
If you do not believe that whether you fail or succeed is determined by you, you will more likely be willing to throw in the towel when things get tough, and things always get tough.
There will always be someone to blame, and some excuse to why you could not do something.
The difference between those who achieve and everyone else is how one responds to obstacles.
You will only achieve what you believe you can achieve.
The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief.
Embrace the pressure, don’t run from it.
Look at pressure as the ability to show how strong you are.
The measure of who we are is how we deal with something that doesn’t go our way.
It’s easy to start off strong, but only champions finish strong.
Don’t live or work with one foot out the door.
Keep moving forward. Two of the ugliest words in dictionary are apathy and complacency. The second you think you’re doing good, you will get passed by.
Get rid of any excuse to turn back.
There’s no such thing as staying the same, you’re either moving forward or backward. Keep moving forward.
Mental toughness is putting the needs of others before your own.
Something amazing happens when you stop thinking of yourself, like how tired you are or how bad you have it, and shift your thinking to others.
Negative attitudes and negative influences must be eliminated as soon as possible.
Your attitude will determine the type of life you live. The good news is that you get to choose the attitude that you have.
Effort and perseverance always trump talent.
Your effort is what ultimately determines your results.
Champions do not become champions because they win an event. They’re champions because of how they prepare for the game.
Those who achieve the biggest accomplishments waste the fewest days. It is the little things that make the biggest difference.
Life is not a series of wins and losses, it is a series of wins and lessons. Every loss or setback is a lesson.
Don’t quit. You are never a loser until you give up trying.
The successful person is not the one who does not make mistakes, but the person who makes mistakes and keeps getting back up.
The only person that can stop you in life is you.
The most successful people are not those who make achievement, rather those who continue even after failure.
Happiness does not come from a life free of adversity, but from knowing you have what it takes to overcome any adversity that comes your way.
Grit is the difference make. It determines if a person will continue whether they succeed or fail.
You are not born a winner or born a loser; you are what you make yourself to be.
If you do not believe that whether you fail or succeed is determined by you, you will more likely be willing to throw in the towel when things get tough, and things always get tough.
There will always be someone to blame, and some excuse to why you could not do something.
The difference between those who achieve and everyone else is how one responds to obstacles.
You will only achieve what you believe you can achieve.
The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief.
Embrace the pressure, don’t run from it.
Look at pressure as the ability to show how strong you are.
The measure of who we are is how we deal with something that doesn’t go our way.
It’s easy to start off strong, but only champions finish strong.
Don’t live or work with one foot out the door.
Keep moving forward. Two of the ugliest words in dictionary are apathy and complacency. The second you think you’re doing good, you will get passed by.
Get rid of any excuse to turn back.
There’s no such thing as staying the same, you’re either moving forward or backward. Keep moving forward.
Mental toughness is putting the needs of others before your own.
Something amazing happens when you stop thinking of yourself, like how tired you are or how bad you have it, and shift your thinking to others.
Negative attitudes and negative influences must be eliminated as soon as possible.
Your attitude will determine the type of life you live. The good news is that you get to choose the attitude that you have.
Effort and perseverance always trump talent.
Your effort is what ultimately determines your results.
Champions do not become champions because they win an event. They’re champions because of how they prepare for the game.
Those who achieve the biggest accomplishments waste the fewest days. It is the little things that make the biggest difference.
Life is not a series of wins and losses, it is a series of wins and lessons. Every loss or setback is a lesson.
Don’t quit. You are never a loser until you give up trying.
The successful person is not the one who does not make mistakes, but the person who makes mistakes and keeps getting back up.
The only person that can stop you in life is you.
April 8, 2020
On December 4, 2016, a book a part of the Sports for Soul series, Old School GRIT was released written by Darrin Donnelly. The book was written to help readers find their purpose and passions, build their self- confidence, explore the spiritual side of success, and become the best version of themselves. Darrin Donnelly was a college basketball coach entering his last few weeks of being a coach. He decided to write these letters to his grandchildren to give them rules for a successful and happy life.
Donnelly had a total of 15 rules that would help his grandchildren, and their generation reach what the “Old School Grit” used to be. Throughout the book, Donnelly talks about how the more recent generations are weaker; they will give up, complain, and pass the blame to others when times get tough. They do not have the courage, faith and character to push through moments to come out more successful and happy within their lives. Each chapter highlights one of the 15 rules that Donnelly is trying to provide for his audience so they can achieve this end goal. Within each there has been research needed to be done from one’s successes and failures that show how these ways to develop grit work.
For myself, Donnelly has given me a new way to look at every situation that has come my way and still is coming my way. Fortunately, I was able to look at this book in two ways, my personal life as well as my athletic career. The chapter that really stuck out for me would have to be chapter 3: Embrace the Pressure. Like anyone in this day and age, there is pressure all over the place in your daily life. I have been in many pressure situations on the field as well as in the classroom and this chapter helped me develop a new outlook on these pressure situations. In this chapter he communicates about believing in yourself, knowing that you can accomplish what has been placed in front of you. If you can believe in yourself and embrace this feeling then you will have nothing to worry about in the end. Of course there are many more chapters that I enjoyed but you will have to read and find out yourself!
Old School GRIT is a very instructional read that can help anyone at any age change their negative outlooks and feelings in a situation to create a positive feeling and new outlook. This will help the new generation go back to the never give up mindset, and will create new highs for their futures. This book was an amazing read and it is not too lengthy either, everyone should go to their local bookstore and grab a copy because you will not regret the changes that it will place on your life.
Donnelly had a total of 15 rules that would help his grandchildren, and their generation reach what the “Old School Grit” used to be. Throughout the book, Donnelly talks about how the more recent generations are weaker; they will give up, complain, and pass the blame to others when times get tough. They do not have the courage, faith and character to push through moments to come out more successful and happy within their lives. Each chapter highlights one of the 15 rules that Donnelly is trying to provide for his audience so they can achieve this end goal. Within each there has been research needed to be done from one’s successes and failures that show how these ways to develop grit work.
For myself, Donnelly has given me a new way to look at every situation that has come my way and still is coming my way. Fortunately, I was able to look at this book in two ways, my personal life as well as my athletic career. The chapter that really stuck out for me would have to be chapter 3: Embrace the Pressure. Like anyone in this day and age, there is pressure all over the place in your daily life. I have been in many pressure situations on the field as well as in the classroom and this chapter helped me develop a new outlook on these pressure situations. In this chapter he communicates about believing in yourself, knowing that you can accomplish what has been placed in front of you. If you can believe in yourself and embrace this feeling then you will have nothing to worry about in the end. Of course there are many more chapters that I enjoyed but you will have to read and find out yourself!
Old School GRIT is a very instructional read that can help anyone at any age change their negative outlooks and feelings in a situation to create a positive feeling and new outlook. This will help the new generation go back to the never give up mindset, and will create new highs for their futures. This book was an amazing read and it is not too lengthy either, everyone should go to their local bookstore and grab a copy because you will not regret the changes that it will place on your life.
May 19, 2023
I rated Old School Grit by Darrin Donnelly five stars because it exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t put it down. Set during a time of a man coaching at St. Rita's College, the story follows
Bob Flanigan as he shares his own knowledge on how anyone and his grandson; who he is writing to, can become successful. I discovered this book when I was searching my school library. What I really liked about it was how Bob Flanigan was able to display his information and knowledge. When \the different aspects of how to be successful were described, it made me think in a whole new way. This book introduced me to a whole new aspect of what I am capable of and what my mind can accomplish. The reality of the situation that anyone is in can be looked at in a whole new unimaginable way after reading this book, and because of this experience, it exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t put it down. I also liked when Bob Flanigan was able to describe how he overcame hardships while coaching and how he led his team to multiple victories. When these strategies that he used were described it made me think about the ways that I could lead myself and others to success and because of this connection it exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t put it down.his book teaches the reader about how to look at the difficulties in their lives in a whole new way. This book does a great job of teaching the reader how they can use their mind as a way to achieve anything they want. It just takes certain strategies and positive tactics to persuade yourself of what you’re doing is going to make you achieve more than you could ever imagine. This book teaches the reader that the world will fall on you if you are not willing to take that extra step and do whatever it takes to become a better version of yourself. I would read another book by this author because I had more interest in this book than any other book I have read in the past. If you read psychological books or books about ways to become successful and liked them, then you would really enjoy this book.
Bob Flanigan as he shares his own knowledge on how anyone and his grandson; who he is writing to, can become successful. I discovered this book when I was searching my school library. What I really liked about it was how Bob Flanigan was able to display his information and knowledge. When \the different aspects of how to be successful were described, it made me think in a whole new way. This book introduced me to a whole new aspect of what I am capable of and what my mind can accomplish. The reality of the situation that anyone is in can be looked at in a whole new unimaginable way after reading this book, and because of this experience, it exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t put it down. I also liked when Bob Flanigan was able to describe how he overcame hardships while coaching and how he led his team to multiple victories. When these strategies that he used were described it made me think about the ways that I could lead myself and others to success and because of this connection it exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t put it down.his book teaches the reader about how to look at the difficulties in their lives in a whole new way. This book does a great job of teaching the reader how they can use their mind as a way to achieve anything they want. It just takes certain strategies and positive tactics to persuade yourself of what you’re doing is going to make you achieve more than you could ever imagine. This book teaches the reader that the world will fall on you if you are not willing to take that extra step and do whatever it takes to become a better version of yourself. I would read another book by this author because I had more interest in this book than any other book I have read in the past. If you read psychological books or books about ways to become successful and liked them, then you would really enjoy this book.
August 8, 2018
This was a Kindle Unlimited read I picked up. Grit is a buzzword in youth sports and education these days. Figured I'd play.
There's perspective based strongly on anecdote that all rings fairly true. What coaches look for in players and what attitude players need to succeed is well covered. I agree with coach on most of his ideas, but still struggle with how to help players who aren't getting the help who could use a bit more. There isn't so much about "developing" grit, it's more about testing grit.
As much as coach states he's trying to keep his ego out of the work, there is old guy humble brag thing happening that always tripped me up. It's hard to be judgy about that given the coach was writing a lot of this as he knew he had terminal cancer and that reflection is central to the presentation of historical material, but still felt a bit odd.
It's a fast read and without many other sports-grit-motivation pieces to compare it to, it's pretty solid.
There's perspective based strongly on anecdote that all rings fairly true. What coaches look for in players and what attitude players need to succeed is well covered. I agree with coach on most of his ideas, but still struggle with how to help players who aren't getting the help who could use a bit more. There isn't so much about "developing" grit, it's more about testing grit.
As much as coach states he's trying to keep his ego out of the work, there is old guy humble brag thing happening that always tripped me up. It's hard to be judgy about that given the coach was writing a lot of this as he knew he had terminal cancer and that reflection is central to the presentation of historical material, but still felt a bit odd.
It's a fast read and without many other sports-grit-motivation pieces to compare it to, it's pretty solid.
February 16, 2023
"Old School Grit: Times May Change, But the Rules for Success Never Do" by Darrin Donnelly is an inspiring and motivating book that explores the timeless principles of success and achievement. The book is based on the author's personal experiences and interviews with successful individuals from a variety of fields, and it offers practical advice for anyone looking to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
The book is divided into short, easy-to-read chapters that cover a range of topics, from the importance of hard work and persistence to the value of self-discipline and resilience. Each chapter includes real-world examples and anecdotes to illustrate the principles being discussed, and the writing style is engaging and conversational.
One of the key messages of the book is the importance of "old school grit" – the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and stay focused on one's goals. The author emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic and the willingness to take risks and embrace failure as part of the learning process.
"Old School Grit" is a practical and inspiring book that offers valuable insights into the principles of success and achievement. The book's emphasis on hard work, perseverance, and self-discipline is a refreshing counterpoint to the many books that promise quick fixes and easy solutions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, athlete, or simply looking to improve your personal and professional life, this book offers valuable lessons and practical advice that can help you achieve your goals.
The book is divided into short, easy-to-read chapters that cover a range of topics, from the importance of hard work and persistence to the value of self-discipline and resilience. Each chapter includes real-world examples and anecdotes to illustrate the principles being discussed, and the writing style is engaging and conversational.
One of the key messages of the book is the importance of "old school grit" – the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and stay focused on one's goals. The author emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic and the willingness to take risks and embrace failure as part of the learning process.
"Old School Grit" is a practical and inspiring book that offers valuable insights into the principles of success and achievement. The book's emphasis on hard work, perseverance, and self-discipline is a refreshing counterpoint to the many books that promise quick fixes and easy solutions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, athlete, or simply looking to improve your personal and professional life, this book offers valuable lessons and practical advice that can help you achieve your goals.
September 29, 2021
Quick easy captivating motivated convitcting read
Loved the character and his situation. Loved how it felt like I was about to share in on his letters to his grandkids almost like they let me read them
The points stood out strong and they were as motivational as they were convicting at many points I found myself whispering...thats me..
Lastly this book is an easy read it's not just for sports people (because I am not one in any sense of the word) it's for anyone who wants to develop that mental toughness (that grit) to push though obstacles embrace pressure and finish strong.
Would recommend to the ADHD community for sure! And just about anyone I meet!
Loved the character and his situation. Loved how it felt like I was about to share in on his letters to his grandkids almost like they let me read them
The points stood out strong and they were as motivational as they were convicting at many points I found myself whispering...thats me..
Lastly this book is an easy read it's not just for sports people (because I am not one in any sense of the word) it's for anyone who wants to develop that mental toughness (that grit) to push though obstacles embrace pressure and finish strong.
Would recommend to the ADHD community for sure! And just about anyone I meet!
January 1, 2018
True Grit - not as outdated as folks think
Another good read for folks in a leadership position. However, Darrin had a habit of repeating the same points over and over in each chapter. The book really could have been much shorter and still get the 15 rules of success covered.
Fleshing our conversations with players, assistant coaches, family members such as a few of the grandkids would have been a better approach for filler material that covered each rule.
All and all though I’d recommend it.
Another good read for folks in a leadership position. However, Darrin had a habit of repeating the same points over and over in each chapter. The book really could have been much shorter and still get the 15 rules of success covered.
Fleshing our conversations with players, assistant coaches, family members such as a few of the grandkids would have been a better approach for filler material that covered each rule.
All and all though I’d recommend it.
October 10, 2025
I very much enjoyed reading this book. It was short (which is always nice) and to the point. The author has written it as a series of letters from an award-winning college coach to his grandchildren. Donnelly lays out 15 separate rules to live by tackling one in each letter from Coach Flanagan. It almost read like a parable, and I think that even if you are not a sports fan, you will enjoy the down-to=earth advice. I plan on sharing this with my young adult children who struggle from time to time with life's bumps. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2020
Motivational talk but not very deep
Darrin Donnelly delivers a comforting story about hard work and grit as told by a fictional basketball coach.
Anyway, I don't think there is a lot about mental toughness that I would call outstanding, the author vaguely touches on why the new generations lack grit and even there I don't agree about some of the few points presented.
If you want to be entertained with a motivational story, give it a try.
Darrin Donnelly delivers a comforting story about hard work and grit as told by a fictional basketball coach.
Anyway, I don't think there is a lot about mental toughness that I would call outstanding, the author vaguely touches on why the new generations lack grit and even there I don't agree about some of the few points presented.
If you want to be entertained with a motivational story, give it a try.
November 16, 2020
The book has a good meaning to it, but is giving younger generations a bad outlook. The book seems to become a rant on how they’re bad and how “successful” they’ve become. Isn’t their generations supposed to be informing younger ones? Essentially their ways are being passed down and the writer is putting the blame on the kids who are reading this in their classes. Personally, I only see him explaining grit and what it takes to be successful the only good meaning in this book.
January 24, 2018
Great and easy read.
I actually liked the first book better but this is definitely close and nearly as good as that one. I love the way he writes. I love the stories. They aren’t just sports books but they are good sports books if that is what you want. Highly recommend both of his first two. They only took me a day each.
I actually liked the first book better but this is definitely close and nearly as good as that one. I love the way he writes. I love the stories. They aren’t just sports books but they are good sports books if that is what you want. Highly recommend both of his first two. They only took me a day each.
August 1, 2019
So, if I’d realized it was fiction before I started..... my library has this in the self-help section. While I get that it reads like a how to achieve success manual via letters written to grandchildren; but the fact the it isn’t real turned me off. I’m not sure how I missed that fact!?! But, I think,folks who like this kind of book will enjoy it. I’m just not that into rah rah books.
February 1, 2023
The message and 15 rules are good things to abide by. Some of the examples are a little too "old school" to really be relatable to the modern athlete/coach/society. I think were better ways to get the messages across than to denigrate aspects of current society and efforts around wellness and mindset.
May 17, 2023
Another Great read from Darrin Donnelly
Darrin’s writing style is easy to follow. His characters could be the guy or lady sitting by you at the diner. The lessons are not hyped or excessive they fall into the real world. This is the third book by Darrin I have read and I am starting the next one immediately.
Darrin’s writing style is easy to follow. His characters could be the guy or lady sitting by you at the diner. The lessons are not hyped or excessive they fall into the real world. This is the third book by Darrin I have read and I am starting the next one immediately.
September 30, 2024
While his team tries to advance through the NCAA postseason tournament, Bob Flanagan uses his last days as a coach to write his grandchildren letters revealing the rules for a successful and happy life.
For example:
It's amazing what a man can achieve when he takes the attention off of helping himself and focusses it on helping others.
For example:
It's amazing what a man can achieve when he takes the attention off of helping himself and focusses it on helping others.
March 27, 2020
Short and Sweet
This book provides life lessons through an impressive journey in a old coaches career. It is written with easy to read language that doesn’t distract from the main point of the book. I would read it again and again as a former athlete as it resonates strongly.
This book provides life lessons through an impressive journey in a old coaches career. It is written with easy to read language that doesn’t distract from the main point of the book. I would read it again and again as a former athlete as it resonates strongly.
April 26, 2020
Another great book!
Darrin knocks it out of the park again with this book. His books are so encouraging, and, the lessons are timeless. Read this book and pass it along to everyone you know and care about, even a stranger or two...
Darrin knocks it out of the park again with this book. His books are so encouraging, and, the lessons are timeless. Read this book and pass it along to everyone you know and care about, even a stranger or two...
April 29, 2020
Feel inspired!
A quick read that makes you feel good throughout the book.
It’s inspirational and quite honestly gives some common sense advice that too many of us ignore or forget.
Worth the time.
A quick read that makes you feel good throughout the book.
It’s inspirational and quite honestly gives some common sense advice that too many of us ignore or forget.
Worth the time.
December 12, 2020
Rules for Life
A coach shares rules for life to help you become successful. The coach writes letters to his grandchildren to share with them his rules for life. The rules he shares seem to be sensible and applicable to all. We are taught how to develop grit.
A coach shares rules for life to help you become successful. The coach writes letters to his grandchildren to share with them his rules for life. The rules he shares seem to be sensible and applicable to all. We are taught how to develop grit.
November 24, 2021
Compelling but a bit derivative. Why not just attribute the coach’s lessons to real-life examples? I strongly agree with the lessons and their application, but it makes me wonder if the book may have been better left as a 15-point poster in a locker room or classroom…
December 11, 2021
It’s sort of a cheesy format, but the rules of grit are solid and a great ideology for any coach or athlete. It’s an easy read, but really great content, so if you can get past the fictional narrative then it’s a good read.
August 9, 2022
Great baseline
As an author myself, what I love about this book is the transparency the author brings to the topic. You get a real sense that he's lived it through the stores and presentation.
As an author myself, what I love about this book is the transparency the author brings to the topic. You get a real sense that he's lived it through the stores and presentation.
March 5, 2023
Nice book #2.
Expanding on the 5 concepts of Thinking Like A Warrior.
A nice touch in revealing the 15 insights of Grit through a coach/grandfather letter writing. A nice way of passing on our lessons to our grandchildren.
Expanding on the 5 concepts of Thinking Like A Warrior.
A nice touch in revealing the 15 insights of Grit through a coach/grandfather letter writing. A nice way of passing on our lessons to our grandchildren.
April 11, 2024
Donnelly has a way of incorporating life lessons into fictional stories that keeps your interest and teaches valuable lessons that pertain to young and old.
This is a great read for individuals and families.
This is a great read for individuals and families.
November 30, 2024
Great content, not as creative or fun to read as his other books
I've been devouring Donnelly's books and loving them, but this one didn't excite me. The content and messages are excellent, but the book isn't as clever or as easy to read as his others
I've been devouring Donnelly's books and loving them, but this one didn't excite me. The content and messages are excellent, but the book isn't as clever or as easy to read as his others
January 16, 2025
Very inspirational. My old travel coach sent me this book. It’s crazy that all of the lessons you learn on the court/field translate to real life. I really enjoyed the lessons that coach Bob Flanagan were sharing with his grandkids and the rest of the world.
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