John Wooden knows a thing or two about success…
So many of us spend our lives chasing success, but not so many of us create our unique definition of what it means to be successful. Money, fame, cars, power – these are all common markers of what we tend to attribute to successful people. And though I haven’t been exposed to high levels of such things, I have been exposed to enough of it to know one hard truth: those things come and go, and the only thing that really matters is the truth that exists between you and the person you see in the mirror. I am fortunate to come from a great family who instilled in me important values and guiding principles, and it still took me years and years to really pin down my definition of success.
John Wooden, probably the best coach of all time across any sport, is renowned for his guidance and leadership philosophies. Wooden won 10 national championships in 12 years, 7 of them in a row, while coaching men’s basketball at UCLA. He never focused on winning; his focus was on the person. By creating the best possible individuals, down to the smallest detail of how they tied their shoes and tucked in their shirts, his players were taught how to be proper, good people.
After a lifetime of winning and coaching, John Wooden defines success as: the peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
You won’t always have a game to win or a promotion to get, but you’ll always be a person who interacts with others in a variety of roles. Be the best version of yourself in each of those roles.
Take some time and develop your definition of success. I did (and I get made fun of for hanging it on my mirror :) ), but I can tell you that every morning when I brush my teeth, I’m reminded of why I do what I do.
Have a great week, and shoot me your definitions of success. I’d love to hear them and offer my feedback.
Spaniard
About the author : cbrenneman
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Latest videos
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
Join our mailing list today
Insider offers & flash sales in your inbox every week.
Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit sed porttitor lectus.