Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh is known for being one of the winningest coaches in modern football and helping young athletes develop into well-respected professionals and people. Now, as he prepares to work with a new group of players, Harbaugh’s guiding principles that he uses to help guide others have been shared.
As the Michigan Wolverines head coach from 2015-’23, Harbaugh won a national championship, beat the Ohio State Buckeyes multiple times and won the Big Ten title in three consecutive years. Of course, the legendary football coach was also known for taking players coming from high school and helping them mature into respected adults.
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Many of the lessons Harbaugh is passing on to future generations come from his experiences in life. Whether it was things his father Jack Harbaugh taught him, things he learned as a football player, or his religious background, the Chargers’ coach has taken all of that knowledge and used it to help shape the lives of others.
In fact, Harbaugh’s desire to make a positive impact on as many people as possible has led to him creating “Rules to Live By” that can help people live a better life. Not only does he share these rules with his players, but he also gives them out to people on business cards.
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During an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show“, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed and read Harbaugh’s “Rules to Live By” for the audience.
@patmcafeeshowofficial Jim Harbaugh’s Rules To Live By. @los angeles chargers @Michigan Football #jimharbaugh #wordstoliveby #michigan #michiganfootball #ncaa #ncaafootball #collegefootball #losangeles #losangeleschargers #chargersfootball #nfl #nflfootball #footballtok #footballtiktok #sports #sportstok #patmcafee #patmcafeeshow #thepatmcafeeshow #thepatmcafeeshowclips #mcafee #pmslive ♬ original sound – Pat McAfee Show Clips
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Harbaugh’s first rule is simple, “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all else will be added unto you.” After starting with that inspiring message, it’s revealed that the second rule is, “Attack each day with enthusiasm unknown to mankind” which was passed down by Harbaugh’s father.
Third on Harbaugh’s rules is “Who couple possibly have it better than you? The answer, of course, is nobody.” This, of course, ties right into the beloved line Harbaugh has used as a coach at both the professional and collegiate levels, “Who’s got it better than us? Nobody.”
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Fourth, a valuable lesson, “Better today than yesterday. Better tomorrow than today”. Fifth, a line we’re sure Harbaugh uses often with players, “Heroes have no days off.” and the veteran coach knows that from experience. Sixth is “Your fate is in your hands”, seventh is “Think. Innovate. Find solutions. By your talent and effort, you will be known” and eighth is “Choose a great role model. Watch them, emulate them, then make them proud.” All of these not only apply to athletes but anyone seeking to better themselves.
In total, there are 20 rules to live by in Harbaugh’s teaching and his messages have clearly had a positive impact on a lot of lives. You can hear all of the rules in the clip above.
