Everything Supply Chain

John Wooden: The difference between winning and succeeding

Please share what you find valuable:

Coach John Wooden is one of the most successful college basketball coaches of all time. He has great insight if you don’t know much about him. With profound simplicity, Coach John Wooden redefines success and urges us all to pursue the best in ourselves. In this inspiring Ted talk he shares the advice he gave his players at UCLA, quotes poetry and remembers his father’s wisdom. Here are some key points from his talk:

  1. Success Is Personal: Wooden emphasizes that success is a personal, subjective concept. It’s not solely defined by external achievements or accolades.

  2. Strive for Your Best: Wooden encourages individuals to focus on being the best they can be rather than comparing themselves to others. True success is about reaching your full potential.

  3. Character Matters: Wooden places a strong emphasis on character development and integrity. He believes that true success requires a foundation of good character.

  4. Effort and Attitude: Wooden believes that success is closely tied to the effort and attitude you bring to your endeavors. A strong work ethic and a positive attitude can lead to success in life.

  5. Continuous Learning: Wooden advocates for lifelong learning and personal growth. Success is an ongoing journey that involves constant improvement.

  6. Fulfillment of Potential: Wooden defines success as “peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.” It’s about fulfilling your potential.

  7. Avoiding Regrets: Wooden warns against the regret of not trying your best. In his view, failing to give your all is a far greater loss than failing to win.

  8. The Journey, Not Just the Destination: Wooden encourages individuals to appreciate the journey and the process of striving for success, rather than fixating solely on the end result.

  9. Success in Life: Wooden believes that success in life involves not just career achievements but also personal relationships, family, and your contributions to others.

  10. The Importance of Balance: Wooden emphasizes the importance of balancing all aspects of your life to achieve a sense of overall success and fulfillment.

John Wooden Quotes and other greats

  • “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.” ~ John Wooden
  • “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.” ~ John Wooden
  • “Earn your leadership every day.” ~ Michael Jordan
  • “The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.” ~ John Wooden
  • “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t” ~ Jerry Rice
  • “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” ~ John Wooden
  • “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” ~ Michael Jordan
  • “The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.” ~ John Wooden quotes

Other videos you may find interesting.

John Wooden quotes