Commissioner Rich Paces Invited by Center Point High School Athletic Leadership to Inspire Pirate Football Team

Community

Three Secrets to Success: Faith, Integrity, Hard Work, and a Positive Attitude

It was a tremendous honor to be invited by the Center Point High School Athletic Leadership to speak with the Center Point Pirate football team as they prepare for the upcoming football season.

I appreciated the opportunity to share a few life lessons that have guided me throughout my career in engineering, business, public service, and leadership. While athletic ability is important, I believe lasting success is built on character, discipline, and faith.

I encouraged the players to remember four principles that have shaped my own life and career.

1. Put God First

Faith provides the foundation for everything we do. When we trust God, seek His guidance, and live according to His principles, we are better prepared to face life's challenges with courage, integrity, and purpose.

2. Always Do the Right Thing

Character matters.

Even when shortcuts seem tempting, doing what is right builds trust, earns respect, and creates opportunities that cannot be achieved any other way.

3. Work Harder Than the Competition

You don't have to be the smartest person or the most naturally gifted athlete to succeed.

Consistent effort, discipline, and perseverance often outperform talent alone. Success belongs to those who continue working long after others have quit.

4. Keep a Positive Attitude

One of the greatest lessons I learned during my career was the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

Coaches, employers, teammates, and family members all appreciate people who are dependable, encouraging, and willing to step forward with a "Yes, sir—I'm on it" attitude.

A positive attitude is contagious. It strengthens teams, builds friendships, and creates opportunities throughout life.

I also shared a personal story about a time early in my engineering career when I nearly lost an important opportunity because of my attitude. Thankfully, I learned that lesson before it was too late. My hope is that these young men can learn from my experience rather than having to learn those lessons the hard way themselves.

As I told the team:

"Character, faith, integrity, hard work, and a positive attitude will carry you farther in life than talent alone."

Thank you to the coaches and athletic leadership for inviting me to spend time with these outstanding young men.

I wish the Center Point Pirates a successful football season and even greater success in life.

Go Pirates!

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— Rich Paces, Kerr County Commissioner, Precinct 2