Open, Andre Agassi's biography, is a fantastic read. One of the passages that stayed with me is Gil Reyes’s speech to Agassi. Agassi says he wished he had a recorder, but he remembers it to this day:
Andre, I won’t ever try to change you, because I’ve never tried to change anybody. If I could change somebody, I’d change myself. But I know I can give you structure and a blueprint to achieve what you want. There’s a difference between a plow horse and a racehorse. You don’t treat them the same. You hear all this talk about treating people equally, and I’m not sure equal means the same. As far as I’m concerned, you’re a racehorse, and I’ll always treat you accordingly. I’ll be firm, but fair. I’ll lead, never push. I’m not one of those people who expresses or articulates feelings very well, but from now on, just know this: It’s on, man. It is on. You know what I’m saying? We’re in a fight, and you can count on me until the last man is standing. Somewhere up there is a star with your name on it. I might not be able to help you find it, but I’ve got pretty strong shoulders, and you can stand on my shoulders while you’re looking for that star. You hear? For as long as you want. Stand on my shoulders and reach, man. Reach.
Whew! Imagine someone telling you this. It gives me goosebumps every time.
For a long time, I kept hoping someone like Gil would come into my life and make all the difference. Much later, I realized something crucial:
First, you have to become the racehorse.