Before I started the Ro’s Words of Encouragement blog last November, I sent out my Weekend Words posts through e-mail to a group of friends, co-workers and clients. I still send those e-mails every Friday, but since starting the blog I also post the Weekend Words here. I am trying to go back through my older Weekend Words posts, the ones that were written before the blog existed, and share them with my blog readers. So although the below post is in the Weekend Words category, it is not this week’s official Weekend Words post. The below Weekend Words was originally published via e-mail on June 11, 2010:
John Wooden passed away last week at the age of 99. Most consider him to be the greatest basketball coach of all-time. His resume as a coach was unmatched and included 10 National championships at U.C.L.A. However, he’s often remembered for the way he did it, especially his calm cool demeanor and his relentless emphasis on the fundamentals. One of the interesting things I’ve found about his coaching style was he never scouted the opponent or talked about winning the game. He believed that if his team prepared and practiced hard it was up to the other team to find a way to stop them. He also felt that scouting an opponent and worrying about winning the game was wasted energy that would be better served in the preparation of one’s own self and team for the challenge of the game ahead.
I’ve read a couple of his books and I found myself even more impressed with the man that he was. I’ve assembled a collection of some of my favorite Wooden quotes for your enjoyment. He’s best known for his Pyramid of Success paradigm for life.
We can learn a lot from people like him. We’re going to miss him.
Wooden quotes:
“Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.”
“Happiness begins when selfishness ends.”
“Be quick, but don’t hurry.”
“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.”
“Make every day your masterpiece.”
“Be prepared and be honest.”
“It’s amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.”
“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”
“Be true to yourself. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make your friendships fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.”
Have a great weekend,
Ro
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