John Robert Wooden, famously known as “the Wizard of Westwood,” was a legendary American basketball coach and player. Wooden’s illustrious career includes winning ten National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) national championships in a 12-year period as head coach for the UCLA Bruins, including a record seven consecutive championships. Beyond his remarkable achievements on the court, Wooden’s philosophy on success has left a lasting impact on countless individuals.

In 1934, while teaching high school in South Bend, Indiana, Wooden began to develop his own definition of success.

Observing the unrealistic expectations parents had for their children’s grades left him disillusioned. They accepted average grades for others’ children but expected their own to achieve A’s or B’s, implying that anything less was a failure.

This mindset troubled Wooden, as it overlooked individual differences in intelligence and capabilities, prompting him to seek a more meaningful way to measure success.

Defining Success

Reflecting on his teaching and coaching experiences, Wooden realized that traditional measures of success—like winning games or achieving high grades—didn’t align with his values. He recalled lessons from his father, who taught him and his brothers to never try to be better than someone else but always strive to be the best they could be.

This philosophy influenced Wooden’s eventual definition of success: “Peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you’re capable.”

Throughout his career, Wooden emphasized this principle with his students and athletes. Success, in his view, was not about material possessions or prestige but about the effort put into achieving one’s personal best.

This idea is beautifully captured in a verse he came across: “Thou didst thy best, that is success.” This resonated deeply with Wooden and became a cornerstone of his teaching philosophy.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Wooden also drew inspiration from poetry, which he believed could teach valuable life lessons. One verse that particularly influenced him states, “No written word, no spoken plea can teach our youth what they should be; nor all the books on all the shelves—it’s what the teachers are themselves.”

This reminded Wooden that his actions and example were far more impactful than his words.

Another poem that touched Wooden describes the joy and fulfillment of teaching, highlighting the diverse and splendid company teachers keep through their students. It portrays the long-term impact educators have, shaping future statesmen, doctors, builders, and more.

Three Core Values

In his coaching, Wooden adhered to three core rules: never be late, avoid profanity, and never criticize a teammate. These principles, rooted in lessons from his father, were fundamental to his approach. He also developed a pyramid of success, with industriousness and enthusiasm as the cornerstones, culminating in faith and patience at the apex. This framework guided Wooden’s efforts to be a better teacher and coach.

Patience and faith were essential to Wooden in any endeavor. He believed that progress requires change and that one must have faith that things will work out as they should if they do their part. This belief sustained Wooden through the challenges and uncertainties of his career.

A story from baseball umpire George Moriarty’s poem “The Road Ahead or the Road Behind” encapsulates Wooden’s philosophy: success comes from within, from giving one’s best effort regardless of the outcome.

It echoes his father’s advice to avoid whining, complaining, or making excuses, and to focus on doing one’s best.

The Wrap

As a coach, Wooden never emphasized winning. He believed that true success was about effort and improvement. This perspective allowed him to find joy in seeing his players develop and reach their potential, whether they were stars or less naturally talented individuals who worked hard to contribute to the team.

Ultimately, Wooden’s view on success was personal and could not be measured by external standards. It was about the journey, the effort, and the self-satisfaction of knowing one did their best.

This definition guided Wooden throughout his life and career, and it continues to inspire others to find their own paths to true success.