Do you believe that dreams really can come true?
We just witnessed an overlooked 2-star college athlete win the Heisman and lead the 2nd most losingest college football program to a National Championship in his hometown in what can only be described as sports at its peak. Wow… Dreams really can come true. In the #CJJblog this week, I take my Dreams Really Do Come True motivational speech and apply these same six keys to Coach Curt Cignetti, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and the Indiana Hoosiers incredible rise to glory. Enjoy.
- Passion. Do you have undeniable passion? Coach Curt Cignetti took largely a group of college football outcasts and shaped them into what many consider the greatest college football team of all-time. How? By bringing in players passionate about football.
- Mission. Indiana became a program with a winning mindset the moment Coach Cignetti was hired in December of 2023. The mission was instilled into the program and the incredibly fast turnaround was not an accident. What is your team mission?
- Goal setting. Having goals is great, but success is building systems that lead to consistently winning. Curt Cignetti built a football team obsessed with the fundamentals.
- Perseverance. Curt Cignetti began his coaching career in 1983. Now, in 2026 he is a National Champion. If that isn’t perseverance, I don’t know what is. Always seek to be the best version of yourself and keep going.
- Carpe diem. Are you ready to seize your opportunities each day has to offer? Indiana football seized their opportunities en route to a National Championship.
- Team player. True leaders always lead by example. Fernando Mendoza transferred in from California and never stopped leading by example for his teammates. Praising them every chance he got and always doing his job to the best of his ability. Do you have team players on your team?
Did You Know? Coach Jim Johnson made an appearance on another podcast. This one with the wonderful Outlier Project. You can check out the full video HERE.
Life Tip #1: Make each day your masterpiece
