Wooden on Leadership
by John Wooden
With all the hoopla of the NCAA Basketball tournament going on, we thought it appropriate to share with you some advice from one of the greatest coaches ever. The following excerpt comes from Coach John Wooden and Jay Carty’s book Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.
Winning seems so important, but it actually is irrelevant. Having attempted to give our all is what matters—and we are the only ones who really know the truth about our own capabilities and performance. Did we do our best at this point in our life? Did we leave all we had to give on the field, in the classroom, at the office or in the trenches? If we did, then we are a success – at that stage of our life. But being successful at one point doesn’t necessarily make us a success at every point – and it does not mean that we reach the apex. We must learn to give our all in one success after another. Likewise, accomplishing certain goals does not necessarily translate to success.
Goals are wonderful in that they stretch us and help us to reach our potential, but making or missing goals has nothing to do with success.
As I write these words, I am 94 years old. God has given me good health beyond what most people could ever dream to have. I still Competitive Greatness drive my car for short distances. I “Perform at your best am still independent, and I want when your best is to stay that way. I want to required. Your best is required each day.” continue to live in the home that I shared with my dear Poise Confidence “Be yourself. Don’t be “The strongest steel is wife, Nellie. But being thrown off by events well-founded self-belief. It able to accomplish whether good or bad.” is earned, not given.” that goal has nothing to do Condition Skill Team Spirit with being “Ability may get you to the “What a leader learns after “The star of the team successful. top, but character keeps you’ve learned it all counts is the team. ‘We’
Believe me when I say, none of these factors is part of the criteria. I am not saying I don’t appreciate the blessings that have come my way. I am not saying that at all. But if none of these good things had ever occurred, I would not be any less successful.
When do we know that we have succeeded? When asking ourselves this question, we should forget what others think. They don’t know. We should be more concerned with our character than with our reputation: Our character is what we truly are, while our reputation is merely what others perceive us While many rank Wooden as the greatest coach of the twentieth century he considered to be. As I have often said, having a himself first a teacher. Wooden was married to good reputation doesn’t determine his high school sweetheart, Nell, for fifty-three success. Neither do awards, years. Coach Wooden lived to be 99. Coach accolades or achievements. Wooden passed away on June 4, 2010.
“Success is never
To find out more about Coach Wooden, his books and Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success visit www.regalbooks.com or www.coachwooden.com.
nce
Fai t
h
tie Pa
final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”
you there – mental, moral, and physical.”
Self-Control
most of all.”
Alertness
supercedes ‘me’. ”
Initiative
Intentness
“Control of your organiza- “Constantly be aware and “Make a decision! Failure “Stay the course. When tion begins with control of observing. Always seek to to act is often the biggest thwarted try again; yourself. Be disciplined.” improve yourself and the failure of all.” harder; smarter. Persevere team.” relentlessly.”
Industriousness
Friendship
“Success travels in the “Strive to build a team company of very hard filled with comaraderie work. There is no trick, no and respect: comrades-ineasy way.” arms.”
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Loyalty
“Be true to yourself. Be true to those you lead.”
Cooperation
Enthusiasm
It is not my way to count or list my awards. I know that people still want to hear me speak, and I am honored by their requests. People still want to meet with me – in fact, they come from all over the world. It is a privilege to be able to continue to encourage others. My hectic schedule has probably done much to keep my mind as clear as it is, even though it’s not as sharp as it once was. My family has been around me, too. What a blessing that has been! I am blessed beyond belief – but am I a success?
I can recount the blessings in my life, but blessings aren’t success. The real determining factor is this: Did I make the effort to do my best? That is the only criteria, and I am the only one who knows (well, me and God). Am I a success? I have peace of mind. Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).
“Have utmost concern for “Your energy and enjoywhat’s right rather than ment, drive and dedication who’s right.” will stimulate and greatly inspire others.”
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