If You're Early...: Stories that teach, lessons that last, and principles that matter

If You’re Early…
Stories That Teach. Lessons That Last. Principles That Matter.

“I guarantee you will read some great stories that will inspire you!"--Bobby Cremins, former Head Basketball Coach at Georgia Tech, Appalachian State and College of Charleston

"Amazingly, as you read, you can actually hear his slow, dulcet, Carolina tone in every paragraph. The collection serves as a welcome respite from the sometimes hard and harrowing scene pervading modern day sport." -- Curry Kirkpatrick, Former Sports Illustrated Senior Writer and member of the National Sportswriter’s Hall of Fame

What if the lessons that can shape a life aren’t found in textbooks—but in stories?

In If You’re Early… , legendary coach and educator Jerry Faulkner shares the principles that guided nearly 50 years of teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people. Through powerful stories, timeless quotes, and real-life experiences, this book captures the wisdom that helped shape not just athletes—but leaders, parents, and people of character.

From the simple standard of “If you’re early, you’re on time…” to lessons on discipline, mindset, preparation, and resilience, each chapter offers practical guidance you can apply immediately—in your career, your relationships, and your daily life.

This is not just a book about sports.
It’s a book about how to live .

Inside, you’ll discover:

The habits and standards that separate average from excellent Why preparation determines success before it ever begins How mindset shapes performance—in sports and in life The power of small details and daily discipline Leadership lessons built on trust, responsibility, and consistency Stories that stick—and principles that stay with you for a lifetime Written with authenticity, clarity, and heart, If You’re Early… is perfect for:

Coaches and athletes Teachers, parents and mentors Business and civic leaders Anyone who wants to grow, improve, and make a lasting impact If you believe that how you do anything is how you do everything , this book will challenge you, inspire you, and stay with you long after the final page.