December 16, 2025

"Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it."

Lou Holtz
Did you find this inspiring?
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Explanation

Holtz is pointing out three different ingredients to success. Talent gives you a starting advantage-what you’re naturally good at. Motivation is the fuel that makes you show up and put in the hours. Attitude colors everything: it’s how you handle setbacks, how you treat others, and whether the work you do is careful or half-hearted. Think of a musician with raw skill who never practices, or a less gifted colleague who outlasts everyone because they’re driven and upbeat. In everyday life, the person who pairs steady effort with a positive mindset usually wins more than the one who relies on talent alone.

About the Author

Lou Holtz (born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia) rose from small‑town roots to a long career in college football as a player, coach, broadcaster and author. He’s best known for coaching Notre Dame from 1986-1996 and leading the Fighting Irish to the 1988 national championship, later rebuilding programs at other schools and becoming a popular motivational speaker. Holtz is remembered for his no‑nonsense leadership, knack for turning teams around, and a steady stream of memorable aphorisms. The quote captures his coach’s view that raw talent is only the start-motivation and attitude are what produce sustained excellence.
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