My Favorite Quotes

In the last issue of THE ENCOURAGING LEADER, we highlighted some of the best books to help you become a better leader.  This issue’s theme centers around quotes.  We asked a number of leaders to write about their favorite quote and what it means to them. 

Just as I am obsessed with reading books, I love quotes.  The first motivational quote that I ever learned was “Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal”.  When I was an aspiring junior high basketball player in Michigan, the state’s Mr. Basketball was a player out of Saginaw by the name of Mark Macon.  He went on to have a great career at Temple University.  I saw him featured on a CBS special.  In the segment, he mentioned that quote.  I wrote it out on a piece of paper and taped it to the wall next to my bed.  Every morning when I’d wake up, that was the first thing that I saw.    

That quote still resonates with me.  Through the years, I have worked with many athletes and that quote is still a go-to for me.  The Kentucky Derby was held last week.  Every time I think of horse racing, I am reminded of this quote.  Horses have blinders on that keep them from seeing what is beside them.  All they do is look straight ahead.  They focus on where they need to go.  We’d do well to remember this concept.  Why get caught up in drama, distractions, detours or disillusionment?  Set your eyes on the prize and focus on the goal.

See the entire newsletter of favorite quotes from top leaders across the nation. 

Jamy Bechler is the executive director of U-Leadership and a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Speaker and Coach.  Contact him at CoachBechler@CoachBechler.com to find out how you or your team can be more successful.  Click here to signup for THE ENCOURAGING NEWSLETTER

Bechler to lead the Marion Athletic Department

The new leader of Marion Giants athletics brings collegiate-level experience and a vision for maximizing student-athlete potential, supporting coaches, and generating community excitement. 

Jamy Bechler will take over as director of athletics at Marion High School starting June 2. He was approved by the Marion Community Schools Board of School Trustees during its regular meeting on May 14.

“There’s a lot of opportunity at Marion,” Bechler said. “You need a visionary leader when you have 20 sports, a wide fan base, and a proud tradition. It’s a big job, and I’m honored to have been chosen.”

Bechler most recently served as associate athletic director and head women’s basketball coach for Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tenn. He has previously served in various coaching and instructional positions at colleges around the country. His history of visionary leadership in developing high level programs, his emphasis on innovative thinking, and his passion for supporting coaches and helping to provide the tools and opportunities for growth are traits that will help advance Marion Giants athletics.

“Jamy brings to Marion successful experience as a collegiate coach and athletic administrator. He will relate well with our coaches, our student-athletes, our alumni, and our community,” Marion Community Schools Superintendent Brad Lindsay said. “His rich experience at the collegiate level will help us prepare our student-athletes for life beyond Marion High School.”

Bechler emphasized the importance of the lessons student-athletes can learn both on and off the field with good leadership in place.