Investment is often linked directly to money, but not so when it comes to college success.

My series on favorite quotes continues from the world of major DI college football. 

We all know how costly college can be. In most cases, an undergraduate degree (often taking five years) will cost between $200,000 - $400,000.

That's undoubtedly a big investment parents make in their children... an investment in dollars. But that does not guarantee, ensure, or necessarily improve the odds of successful college outcomes. In fact, college success has little to do with money.

For many years now, people have shared their ambitions, goals, dreams, and desired outcomes with me. They always represent something significant.

What I don't hear often enough is what people will do to see it through to success. Therefore, I love this quote.

"Your investment in something important must equal or exceed your expectations." - Shane Beamer, Univ. South Carolina Head Football Coach  

Coach Beamer's quote pertains directly to the nonmonetary form of investment - the time, effort, energy, focus, commitment, loyalty, and game-plan execution necessary to reach one's highest potential. 

Of course, Coach Beamer is applying this to his team of football players. I apply it to my students.

The implication is that when the ambitions are big, the human form of investment must be bigger. It's so true and so elusive among most people, leading to their disappointment. That doesn't have to be your story. 

The best coaching, teaching, and mentoring I can provide to students is to help them understand the importance of their investment in doing the things necessary to achieve their goals.