When something is great you want to share. The Los Angeles Times on Sunday, June 13, 2010 had a whole section dedicated to John Wooden, “Remembering John Wooden. As I read through this section I couldn’t help but notice a few things, one – the Woodism, or quotes by John Wooden will stand the test of time. They are are relevant now as they were when they were written, Two – this great man was loved and admired during his lifetime and will be loved and admired for many many more years to come. Three – his wisdom on and off the court demonstrates values that should apply to all aspects of our lives. He lived his life with values and demonstrated those values in all that he did.
i know there is a lot being written now about John Wooden because of his greatness and his loss, but I felt compelled to share something of his life here as well. Below are a few of the quotes by John Wooden:
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Think of how things are going for you right now. Are you doom and gloom or are you optimistic about the cards dealt and moving in the right direction.
“The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.“ I watched the final game last night and saw this principal in action when Bryant won his 5th title and hugged his teammate, Cosgol as he pointed his fingers at him in reference to all he did to support both him and the team.
“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” Can you ever really know it all? of course not and that is part of knowing it all!
“I’d rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and little talent.” Know what you are good at. You can’t be a ‘jack of all trades” or you really are a “master of none.”
“Consider the rights of others before your own feelings and the feelings of others before your own rights.” This says is all.
The Pyramid of Success – I have seen variations of this throughout my career. Many followed Wooden’s lead and used the symbol of a pyramid to demonstrate their philosophies of leadership, career, strategic development and business models. What I didn’t realize is that his pyramid was also used to teach children values. Wooden wrote a poem for each of the blocks of the pyramid in a manner that a child could relate to. Below is the one on self-control:
If success is your great goal,
you must practice self-control
Use common sense in all you do.
Controlling emotions is helpful too.
I knew a fish who took the bait.
Good judgment gone, the hook he ate.
My friend was fried upon the grill.
With self-control, he’d be here still.
How do you top greatness? Perhaps by living each day the best you can, with integrity, values, ethics and great spirit.
