John Robert Wooden is the greatest basketball coach ever to strap a whistle around his neck. He guided UCLA to ten NCAA Championships and was a five-time College Coach of the Year.
The life lessons taught by the humble philosopher brought wisdom and inspiration to generations of people. Coach Wooden’s maxims have stood the test of time. Here’s a collection of some of our favorite “Woodenisms.”
Never mistake activity for achievement.
Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Be quick, but don’t hurry.
If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who will argue with you.
Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.
It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.
It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.
Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while you’re reputation is merely what others think you are.
Don’t give up on your dreams or you’re dreams will give up on you.
Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.
If you’re true to yourself, you’re going to be true to others.
