Success in sport and life begins with being a good person
Kids who go out for a sport learn how to play the game, develop their physical skills, form friendships—and have fun. If they play through high school, they also get the chance to develop skills to guide their adult lives.
Developing a strong work ethic and understanding the power of teamwork can prepare students for college, the work world, and for becoming parents themselves.
But those important benefits of sport can’t be achieved when coaches and parents emphasize winning games over winning behaviors.
There is nothing complicated about being a good person and a good player.
Youth sports coaches and parents have many resources available today, but I hope they use at least one from the “Wizard of Westwood,” John Wooden. One of the all-time great basketball coaches, Wooden is remembered for many things including:
Winning 10 NCAA national championships in 12 years as head coach for UCLA
Inspirational quotes like:
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”Several books on leadership and his coaching philosophies
The Pyramid of Success that he used to guide his life and coach his teams
The Pyramid of Success has been adopted by many schools, teams, families, and business leaders. There are 15 building blocks and 10 additional behaviors he called the mortar.
Together, they were the formula for Wooden’s success.
Success is peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you’re capable.
- John Wooden
Nothing in the Pyramid or Wooden’s definition of success mentions championships, trophies, or wins. The behaviors aren’t specific to sport, they are specific to life. And the good news is they can be learned and practiced throughout our lives.
At the top of the Pyramid is Competitive Greatness: Be at your best when your best is needed. Enjoyment of a difficult challenge. But we don’t wake up one day and find ourselves at the top, unless we’ve done the work to get there. It’s a journey to find our own success, however we define it. But if you’re looking for a map for your kids or grandkids—or yourself, you will want to check out Wooden’s Pyramid of Success.
As in all endeavors, it’s best to start with a strong foundation. Wooden’s begins with:
Industriousness
Friendship
Loyalty
Cooperation
Enthusiasm
The seeds for these behaviors can be planted before a child even starts school. When cultivated and reinforced by the parents, teachers, and other important adults in their lives kids will be on their way to the next level:
Self-control
Alertness
Initiative
Intentness
Wooden described the heart of the Pyramid with:
Condition
Skill
Team spirit
And just before reaching Competitive Greatness:
Poise
Confidence
Each of the building blocks contributes to the final goal. There is no shortcut to the top. Some may need more practice and reinforcement than others. These behaviors can be practiced by kids through sport, music, or any other activity they enjoy.
They can also be developed through daily living. Wooden encouraged us to be the best people we can be.
JohnWooden passed away in 2010 at the age of 99, but his inspiration will live forever.
Thanks, Patrick!