Key Takeaways
1. Joshua Wooden's Seven-Point Creed: The Foundation of John Wooden's Success
"Son, try to live up to this."
The power of simple wisdom. Joshua Hugh Wooden's seven-point creed, given to his son John on his eighth-grade graduation, became the cornerstone of John Wooden's legendary coaching career and life philosophy. This creed, written on a small card, encompassed timeless principles that guided Wooden throughout his life:
- Be true to yourself
- Help others
- Make each day your masterpiece
- Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible
- Make friendship a fine art
- Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live
- Pray for guidance and counsel, and give thanks for your blessings each day
A legacy of character. John Wooden carried this card in his wallet for nearly 90 years, referring to it often and living by its principles. The creed's impact extended far beyond Wooden himself, influencing countless players, coaches, and individuals who came into contact with his teachings.
2. Be True to Yourself: Authenticity and Integrity in Leadership
"You have not lived a perfect day until you've done something for somebody who cannot repay you."
Integrity as a cornerstone. For John Wooden, being true to oneself meant maintaining unwavering integrity, even in the face of difficult decisions. This principle was demonstrated throughout his career, from turning down lucrative coaching offers to standing up against racial discrimination.
Authenticity in leadership. Wooden's approach to coaching and life emphasized:
- Consistency between words and actions
- Refusing to compromise on core values
- Encouraging others to embrace their authentic selves
His players and colleagues often noted that there was only "one John Wooden" – the same person on and off the court, a testament to his commitment to authenticity.
3. Help Others: The Power of Selflessness and Service
"If you can't have a perfect day without helping others with no thought of getting something in return... you have not had a perfect day."
A culture of service. John Wooden instilled in his players and those around him the importance of selfless service. This philosophy extended beyond the basketball court, shaping the character of those he influenced.
Impact through action. Wooden's commitment to helping others manifested in various ways:
- Mentoring young coaches and players
- Providing guidance and support to former players long after their playing days
- Engaging in charitable work and community service
His approach to helping others was not about grand gestures, but consistent, small acts of kindness and support that had a profound cumulative impact on those around him.
4. Make Each Day Your Masterpiece: Embracing Excellence in Daily Life
"When you have practiced and prepared yourself well, quickness comes naturally."
The power of preparation. Wooden believed that creating a masterpiece each day required meticulous planning and execution. His practices at UCLA were legendary for their efficiency and attention to detail, often planned down to the minute.
Excellence in the everyday. Wooden's approach to making each day a masterpiece included:
- Setting clear goals and prioritizing tasks
- Focusing on continuous improvement
- Emphasizing the process over the outcome
He taught his players and others to find joy and purpose in the daily grind, believing that excellence was not a single act but a habit formed through consistent effort and dedication.
5. Drink Deeply from Good Books: The Importance of Continuous Learning
"Read books on topics that don't pertain strictly to your business or industry. It's the best way to maintain a broad perspective."
A lifelong love of learning. John Wooden was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for poetry, history, and the Bible. He believed that continuous learning was essential for personal growth and effective leadership.
The power of diverse knowledge. Wooden's approach to reading and learning included:
- Reading widely across various subjects
- Memorizing and sharing meaningful quotes and passages
- Encouraging others to develop a love for reading
His extensive knowledge, gained through years of dedicated reading, allowed him to connect with players and others on a deeper level, often drawing unexpected parallels between literature and life lessons.
6. Make Friendship a Fine Art: Cultivating Meaningful Relationships
"Friendship is like a good marriage—it's based on common concern. Friends help each other; they don't use each other."
The art of genuine connection. For Wooden, true friendship went beyond superficial interactions. He believed in cultivating deep, meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and support.
Building lasting bonds. Wooden's approach to friendship included:
- Showing genuine interest in others' lives and experiences
- Being a good listener and offering support in times of need
- Maintaining long-term connections with former players and colleagues
His emphasis on friendship extended to his coaching philosophy, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among his players that contributed to their success both on and off the court.
7. Build a Shelter Against a Rainy Day: Preparing for Life's Challenges
"Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you lead."
Character as a foundation. Wooden interpreted this principle not primarily as financial preparation, but as building a strong character and network of relationships that would sustain one through life's challenges.
Preparing for adversity. Wooden's approach to building a shelter included:
- Developing a strong work ethic and self-discipline
- Cultivating a supportive network of family and friends
- Maintaining a positive attitude and resilience in the face of setbacks
He believed that the way one lived their life daily would determine their ability to weather future storms, emphasizing the importance of consistent character-building over time.
8. Pray for Guidance and Give Thanks: The Role of Faith and Gratitude
"There's no shame in praying for guidance. It's a sign of strength."
Faith as a guiding force. Wooden's faith was a central part of his life and leadership, providing him with strength, guidance, and perspective. He believed in the power of prayer not just in times of need, but as a daily practice.
Gratitude as a way of life. Wooden's approach to faith and gratitude included:
- Regular prayer for guidance and wisdom
- Expressing thanks for both big and small blessings
- Encouraging others to develop their own spiritual practice
His emphasis on gratitude extended to all aspects of his life, from acknowledging the contributions of his players to expressing appreciation for simple daily experiences. This attitude of thankfulness contributed to his positive outlook and ability to inspire others.
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Coach Wooden receives mostly positive reviews, praised for its inspiring message and timeless wisdom based on John Wooden's 7-point creed. Readers appreciate the book's focus on character development, leadership, and living a principled life. Many find it motivational and applicable to their own lives. Some criticisms include repetitive content and a lack of depth in certain areas. Overall, reviewers commend the book for showcasing Wooden's integrity and positive influence on others, both on and off the basketball court.
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