I don't count on the boy who waits till October, when it's cool

In the journey of life, there are those who approach their calling with determination and commitment, while others hesitate, waiting for the right moment or the perfect conditions. Darrell Royal, a figure known for his wisdom in leadership and sportsmanship, imparts a timeless lesson when he says, "I don't count on the boy who waits till October, when it's cool and fun, then decides he wants to play." This statement speaks not only to the realm of sports but to the very nature of dedication, discipline, and integrity in all aspects of life. It is a call to those who seek greatness to embrace the challenge from the beginning, not to wait for the favorable conditions that are only temporary.

In the ancient world, heroes were not those who only fought when the battle was easy or the weather was fair. The Greek warriors understood this well. Achilles, the greatest of the Greek heroes in the Iliad, did not wait for the perfect moment to prove himself. He fought with unwavering commitment, in both the heat of battle and the depths of loss. True strength lies not in the ability to act when conditions are ideal, but in the courage to act when the odds are against us, when the task at hand seems overwhelming. The true warrior fights not when the sun shines but in the storms and darkness, when the effort itself is what defines their character.

In our own lives, it is often easy to be like the boy who waits for October, the moment when the conditions are favorable. We wait for the perfect time to pursue our dreams, to make a change, or to step into the life we want to create. Yet, by waiting, we miss the opportunity to build the character that comes through consistent effort, through the sacrifices made in times of discomfort. The great minds of history, such as Thomas Edison, never waited for the right conditions—they created them. Edison did not wait for the perfect moment to discover the light bulb, but he experimented tirelessly, embracing the grind of trial and error.

Consider the story of the great artist Michelangelo, who did not wait for an auspicious time to carve the David, one of the most iconic sculptures in history. He faced challenges, doubts, and immense pressure. Yet, it was his unwavering dedication, even in moments of uncertainty, that allowed him to create a masterpiece. Michelangelo's commitment was not to the easy, the convenient, or the ideal; it was to the craft, to the work, and to the belief that greatness is forged in the consistent effort, not in the pursuit of perfection. His David stands not only as a symbol of human beauty but also as a testament to the sacrifice and discipline required to achieve greatness.

The lesson embedded in Royal’s words is one of discipline and perseverance. Greatness is not a momentary decision made when the conditions are just right, but a daily commitment to rise and give your best, regardless of the challenges you face. Life will never offer the perfect time to begin your most important work. The challenge is to take action, to embrace the struggle, and to build your strength through the moments that require sacrifice and hardship. Those who wait for the right conditions will miss the opportunity to build the very character that leads to success.

For us, today, the call is clear: we must not wait for the moment when everything aligns. The path to success, fulfillment, and greatness is built through the daily practice, the hard work, and the commitment to stay the course, even when conditions are not ideal. The boy who waits until October misses the growth that happens when he plays through the challenges, when he practices despite the heat or the rain. Greatness is made in the grind, in the moments that test our endurance and our commitment to the journey.

In your own life, reflect on the areas where you have waited for the perfect moment. What goals have you put off until the time seemed right? Step forward now, knowing that true strength is built in the moments that feel inconvenient or difficult. Like the warrior, the artist, or the great thinkers who came before us, embrace the effort, the discomfort, and the discipline that will shape your future. Just as Darrell Royal teaches, it is those who rise to the challenge, day after day, who create their own moments of greatness—never waiting for the right time, but making the time right through their actions.