One of the greatest coaches of all time died this week at ninety nine years old. Coach John Wooden was considered by many to be one of the greatest college basketball coaches who ever lived. His basketball teams at U.C.L.A. won a record ten national championships, including seven in a row. Most importantly, those who knew Coach Wooden considered him to be a person of high principles and a person who deeply cared for others. He taught his players not only how to play basketball, but how to live successful and fulfilling lives that matter.
Coach Wooden emphasized the importance of:
- Teamwork
- Unselfishness
- Becoming your best
- Working on the basics or fundamentals
- Physical and mental conditioning
- Moderation and balance
- Doing the best you can in the present moment
- Moving towards your goals step by step
Coach Wooden’s philosophy of success was not to try to be better than others, but to try to be your best. He did not talk with his players about winning and losing games. He did ask them to keep improving and to work towards becoming the best they could be. Coach taught his players not to do anything that would destroy their peace of mind. He emphasized the importance of maintaining an emotional balance and not being too elated or dejected by winning and losing games.
Each of us can apply his lessons to our own lives because they are about living up to our potential and becoming good human beings and professionals. In closing, the great coach put it this way, “If you make the effort to do the best of what you are capable, trying to improve the situation that exists for you, I think that is success.”
Copyright 2010. Raymond Gerson
Best regards,
Raymond Gerson
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Credit Statement Example: Reproduced with permission from Raymond Gerson at www.achievecollegesuccess.com. Copyright 2010. Raymond Gerson. All rights reserved worldwide.
