Success

John Wooden.

Arguably the most influential coach in sports history. The majority of people have heard his name because he became the winningest college coach in NCAA Men’s Basketball when he led the UCLA Bruins to 10 national championships in 12 years. However, many players and coaches can win championships but not everyone can say they created success. He created successful basketball players, successful people, a successful basketball program, a successful university, and a successful legacy.

What is success? The dictionary definition varies anywhere from the accomplishment of one’s goals to the attainment of wealth. However, John Wooden says success is “peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable.”

According to John Wooden’s definition, anyone can achieve their own success because success is within each person’s control. Instead of striving to be successful in the eyes of other people, strive to be successful in your own eyes. So that you satisfied in knowing that you made your best effort.

My final quarter at UCLA, one week before finals, John Wooden passed away. Myself and several other UCLA athletes sullenly but proudly carried flags in his honor during our graduation ceremony. I will never forget the time I was fortunate enough to hear John Wooden speak during my second year. To him, winning was not the most important result; it was the journey.

What is success? Listen to John Wooden discern the difference between winning and success..