By Ryan O'Connell
On the edge of a small wooden shelf at the University of Illinois library, I found my first coaching mentor. A bright blue book, an inch away from falling off the shelf, written by Hall of Fame basketball coach John Wooden, instantly grabbed my attention and forever changed my life.
From this book and others by John Wooden, I’ve learned lessons about coaching and life that have guided me through many situations and adventures, from my 28 years of coaching hockey to starting and leading a business as a Financial Advisor.
Here are 5 of my favorite lessons I learned from John Wooden.
- Success is Doing Your Best
“The peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable."
Winning isn’t everything, and it’s not always possible. What is ALWAYS possible is doing your best.
Despite winning 10 National Championships, John Wooden defined success as the peace of mind that comes from giving something your all. As a coach, Financial Advisor, husband, father, etc., I give each role my best effort, and take pride in knowing I did my best regardless of the outcome.
- A Lack of Preparation Leads to Failure
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
On the other end of success is failure. Losing on its own isn’t failing. Instead, Wooden sees failure as a lack of preparation.
I approach every commitment, activity, and meeting with the mindset that if something is worth doing, it’s worth properly preparing for.
- Trust Your Preparation
“Be quick but don’t hurry.”
Planning properly allows you to make quick and decisive decisions. John Wooden’s quote, “Be quick but don’t hurry,” reminds me not to delay taking action and to avoid needlessly rushing or failing to give a task my best in favor of getting it done fast.
- Telling Isn’t Teaching
“Teaching is knowing the difference between “I taught it” and “They learned it.”
Teaching and learning don’t always happen simultaneously. To teach someone, you have to earn their trust, connect with them, and check in with them for understanding.
- Love Drives All
Years after John Wooden retired as a basketball coach, he admitted that his “Pyramid of Success” had a critical mistake. The mistake was that he left out what he now considers to be the most important attribute of living a successful life -- love. If he could have done it over again, he would’ve encircled the Pyramid of Success with the word “love.”
If you’re coming from a place of love, I believe your actions, whether as a coach, parent, employee, friend, etc., will be more caring, genuine, and impactful.
What’s the most impactful lesson you’ve ever learned from a coach or mentor? Comment below!
Disclaimer: Content in this material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.