John Wooden Quotes

American basketball coach (1910–2010)

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John Robert Wooden (October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010) was a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player (1961) and a coach (1973). He was the first person ever enshrined in both categories; only Lenny Wilkens and Bill Sharman have since been so honored. He was awarded the presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003. He led UCLA basketball program from 1948 until 1975. He was the coach for UCLA winning 10 championships in 12 years. He is also famous for his pyramid of success.

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Alternative Names: John Robert Wooden

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Before You Can Lead Others, You Must Be Able to Lead Yourself.

True happiness comes from the things that cannot be taken away from you. Making the full effort to do the right thing can never be taken away from you.

Try your hardest in all ways and you are a success.

Lincoln himself once said, “The worst things you can do for those you love are the things they could and should do for themselves.” He fiercely believed in self-sufficiency, and in the maturity and character that struggles and hardships can bring.

What it comes down to, I believe, is that mentoring often involves telling people what they need to hear, rather than what they want to hear. When you are able to be humbly honest with someone about a situation with which you have personal experience — even if you risk angering or hurting that person — you are offering the most valuable gift of all.

Some people today may think these are naive or kind of corny. But think a moment about what they mean and who you become if you abide by them. That isn’t naive. You don’t become corny.

There is a choice you have to make, in everything you do. And you must always keep in mind the choice you make, makes you.

We are many, but are we much?

Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.

You control the terms of the conflict. Make them play your game. Don’t try to play theirs.

A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself for the group, for the good of the group — that's teamwork.

It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.
-John wooden

Peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you’re capable.

A mentor must always guide, never push. It was my job to listen to them, offer my perspective, and encourage them to pursue the ideals they believed to be true.

Coach Wooden never mentioned winning. It was always, “Fellas, we’ve got to play to our best. Let’s do that.” That’s a lot different from saying, “Fellas, we’ve got to win.” A lot different.