What It Takes to Be #1

In 'What It Takes to Be #1', Vince Lombardi Jr. unravels the powerful principles behind his father's legendary success as a football coach. Through gripping anecdotes and motivational insights, he illustrates how discipline, determination, and integrity can lead to greatness on and off the field. Readers are invited to explore the unyielding work ethic and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defined the Lombardi legacy. This book not only honors a sports icon but also serves as a timeless guide for anyone aspiring to be the best in their field. Discover the secrets of champions and ignite your own potential with Lombardi's empowering message.

By Vince Lombardi, Jr.

Published: 2003

"Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all-time thing. You don't do things right once in a while... you do them right all the time."

What It Takes to Be #1Book binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Legendary leadership lessons from the greatest football coach of all time Leadership continues to be one of the most trained-for skills in business today. And no figure so fully embodies the leadership qualities managers hope to cultivate in their professional and personal lives than Vince Lombardi, the greatest NFL coach of all time. In What It Takes to Be #1, author Vince Lombardi Jr.--America's most sought-after motivational speaker-- examines the leadership qualities that his father considered essential to success. He explores the leadership philosophy of Vince Lombardi, extracts powerful lessons about what it takes to bean effective leader, and shows how to apply those qualities to one's own life and career. For all business leaders, or those who aspire to leadership, What It Takes to Be #1 is a blueprint for achieving Lombardi-like success in virtually any endeavor.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from What It Takes to Be #1

About the Author

V

Vince Lombardi, Jr.

Vince Lombardi, Jr. is an accomplished author and speaker known for his insightful writings on leadership, motivation, and the principles of success. As the son of the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, he carries forward his father's legacy through his works, which include notable titles such as "What It Takes to Be Number One" and "The Lombardi Rules: 26 Lessons from Vince Lombardi—The Most Successful Coach of All Time." Lombardi, Jr. draws on personal experiences and historical anecdotes to convey messages of perseverance, teamwork, and excellence, often blending motivational storytelling with practical advice. His writing style is direct and engaging, aimed at inspiring readers to strive for their personal and professional best.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Vince Lombardi, Jr.
Published
September 2003
Publisher
McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN
0071420363
Language
English
Pages
290
Genres
Sports and FitnessMotivationalSuccess StoriesFitness Motivation

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

GritBook binding

Grit

Angela Duckworth

The Motivation ManifestoBook binding

The Motivation Manifesto

Brendon Burchard

EinsteinBook binding

Einstein

Walter Isaacson

RelentlessBook binding

Relentless

Tim S. Grover, Shari Wenk

The Spirit of St. LouisBook binding

The Spirit of St. Louis

Charles A. Lindbergh

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about PeopleBook binding

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about People

Susan Weinschenk

Fish!Book binding

Fish!

Ken Blanchard, Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen, Harry Paul

Draft No. 4Book binding

Draft No. 4

John McPhee

Crush It!Book binding

Crush It!

Gary Vaynerchuk

The Philosophy of Andy WarholBook binding

The Philosophy of Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol

MusashiBook binding

Musashi

Eiji Yoshikawa

Song of SolomonBook binding

Song of Solomon

Toni Morrison

TranscendBook binding

Transcend

Scott Barry Kaufman

You Know You Want ThisBook binding

You Know You Want This

Kristen Roupenian

BlankieBook binding

Blankie

Leslie Patricelli

Wheels for the WorldBook binding

Wheels for the World

Douglas Brinkley

The Signal and the NoiseBook binding

The Signal and the Noise

Nate Silver

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily ChallengeBook binding

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge

Tony Dungy, Nathan Whitaker

The Big LifeBook binding

The Big Life

Ann Shoket

Startup RisingBook binding

Startup Rising

Christopher Schröder

Love Is a Mix TapeBook binding

Love Is a Mix Tape

Rob Sheffield

Technically WrongBook binding

Technically Wrong

Sara Wachter-Boettcher

The Adventures of Hajji Baba of IspahanBook binding

The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Ispahan

James Morier

Grow Rich!Book binding

Grow Rich!

Napoleon Hill

Vouloir c'est pouvoirBook binding

Vouloir c'est pouvoir

Raymond Hull

Listen, LiberalBook binding

Listen, Liberal

Thomas Frank

The Hard Facts of the Grimms' Fairy TalesBook binding

The Hard Facts of the Grimms' Fairy Tales

Maria Tatar

Cold DaysBook binding

Cold Days

Jim Butcher

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Josh Waitzkin's Book Recommendations

Josh Waitzkin's Book Recommendations

Josh Waitzkin is a renowned chess prodigy whose life inspired the film "Searching for Bobby Fischer." He earned the title of National Master at the age of 13 and later became an International Master. Transitioning from chess, Waitzkin achieved national championship titles in Tai Chi Chuan. His literary contribution includes the bestselling book "The Art of Learning," which explores the process of mastering any skill. Waitzkin is also the co-founder of the JW Foundation, which promotes the cultivation of learning and performance in children.

View Collection
Kobe Bryant's Book Recommendations

Kobe Bryant's Book Recommendations

Kobe Bryant was an iconic American professional basketball player, widely celebrated for his remarkable 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, during which he won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star. Known for his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit, he also earned two Olympic gold medals with Team USA. Beyond his athletic prowess, Bryant made significant contributions to literature, notably winning an Academy Award for his animated short film "Dear Basketball," which was based on his retirement poem. He also authored several books, including the best-selling "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play," offering insights into his philosophy and approach to the game. Kobe's legacy continues to inspire both athletes and readers around the world.

View Collection
Gary Vaynerchuk's Book Recommendations

Gary Vaynerchuk's Book Recommendations

Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and social media personality. He initially gained prominence through his family’s wine business, turning it into a digital juggernaut with his online content and wine reviews. Gary is now the CEO of VaynerMedia, a full-service digital agency, and has authored multiple bestsellers, including Crush It! and Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook. He is known for his blunt, motivational style and advice on business, marketing, and personal branding. Gary continues to inspire millions with his focus on hustle, entrepreneurship, and leveraging digital platforms for success.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection
David Cancel's Book Recommendations

David Cancel's Book Recommendations

David Cancel is a prominent entrepreneur and author best known for his influential work in the tech and startup communities. As the CEO and co-founder of Drift, a leading conversational marketing platform, he has revolutionized how businesses engage with their customers online. Cancel has also authored insightful books such as "Hypergrowth," which offers valuable strategies for scaling startups rapidly. His contributions extend beyond literature as he frequently shares his expertise through speaking engagements and his popular podcast, "Seeking Wisdom." David Cancel's innovative ideas and practical advice continue to inspire and guide entrepreneurs worldwide.

View Collection
Anthony Pompliano's Book Recommendations

Anthony Pompliano's Book Recommendations

Anthony Pompliano, also known as "Pomp," is a prominent entrepreneur and investor focused on the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. He co-founded Morgan Creek Digital, an investment firm dedicated to blockchain technology and digital assets. Pomp is also well-known for his popular newsletter, "The Pomp Letter," where he shares insights on finance, technology, and the future of money. As a prolific voice in the crypto community, he has appeared on multiple media platforms, including his own podcast, "The Pomp Podcast," where he interviews industry leaders and innovators. Through his writings and public engagements, Pompliano has significantly contributed to the broader understanding and adoption of digital currencies.

View Collection
Tom Bilyeu's Book Recommendations

Tom Bilyeu's Book Recommendations

Tom Bilyeu is an American entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, one of the fastest-growing companies in the health and wellness industry. After selling Quest, Bilyeu founded Impact Theory, a media company focused on empowering individuals to unlock their full potential through content, interviews, and personal development strategies. Bilyeu is passionate about mindset and the role of mental toughness in achieving success, frequently sharing insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. His content aims to inspire others to break free from limiting beliefs and pursue their dreams.

View Collection
Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

View Collection
Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) and the author of the bestselling book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue leadership roles and create gender equality in the workplace. She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, particularly in corporate environments, and has launched initiatives to support women’s empowerment globally. Sheryl’s leadership at Facebook helped the company grow into one of the world’s largest social media platforms. She is also the founder of LeanIn.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women.

View Collection
Michael Gervais's Book Recommendations

Michael Gervais's Book Recommendations

Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist who works with some of the world’s top athletes, business leaders, and artists to unlock their full potential. He is the co-founder of Compete to Create, a company that teaches individuals and teams how to perform at their best through mindset training and personal development strategies. Gervais is known for his work with the Seattle Seahawks, where he helped develop the mental toughness and resilience that led them to a Super Bowl win. His approach blends mindfulness, performance psychology, and the science of high achievement, which he shares through his podcast, Finding Mastery. Gervais' insights on mental performance have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant, helping people across various fields optimize their performance under pressure. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the mind and body and believes that self-awareness and mental clarity are key to achieving greatness.

View Collection
Jim Kwik's Book Recommendations

Jim Kwik's Book Recommendations

Jim Kwik is a renowned brain coach and founder of Kwik Learning, known for his expertise in memory improvement, brain performance, and accelerated learning. He is the author of the best-selling book "Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life," which has empowered countless individuals to optimize their cognitive abilities. Through his popular podcast, "Kwik Brain," and numerous speaking engagements, Kwik has inspired millions worldwide with practical strategies for mental enhancement. His work emphasizes the potential of lifelong learning and the power of self-belief. Kwik's contributions have significantly influenced both educational methodologies and personal development practices.

View Collection
Amelia Boone's Book Recommendations

Amelia Boone's Book Recommendations

Amelia Boone is a renowned American obstacle racer and ultrarunner, celebrated for her remarkable achievements in the sport. She has won multiple world championships, including the Spartan Race World Championship and the World's Toughest Mudder. Boone's compelling personal journey and resilience have inspired countless athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Though primarily known for her athletic prowess, Boone has also contributed to literature through insightful articles and motivational writings on endurance, mental toughness, and overcoming adversity. Her story continues to influence and empower individuals striving for excellence in both sports and life.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all-time thing. You don't do things right once in a while... you do them right all the time.

What It Takes to Be #1

By Vince Lombardi, Jr.

Frequently Asked Questions