15 timeless lessons from one of history's greatest leaders

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Today’s Issue

John Wooden is one of history’s greatest leaders.

But unless you’re an American sports fan, you may have not heard of him.

Today, we’re going to share 15 timeless lessons from him that will help you have an amazing 2023.

Let’s dive in.

15 timeless lessons from one of history’s greatest leaders

John Wooden coached basketball at UCLA.

He won 10 national championships (most ever in men’s basketball) and was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame.

I’d argue he’s the greatest sports coach of all time, professional or collegiate.

But his impact goes far beyond sports (he shared an award with Mother Teresa after all).

His lessons and teachings have impacted countless businesses, organizations and communities (most notably his Pyramid of Success framework).

There’s a lot we can learn from him.

Wooden passed in 2010, but his life lessons live on.

Here are 15 of the best:

1. Big talkers and little doers

Don’t tell people what you can do. Instead, show them what you can do. Too many people are “big talkers” and “littler doers.” If you want to be your best, be the opposite.

2. Your Ford vs. their Chevy

Let’s say you’re building a Ford. Don’t compare it to someone else’s Chevy. All you can do is build the best Ford possible. Comparison impedes competency. Focus all your time and attention on building your best “Ford” and be proud of that effort.

3. How to change the world

Many people say they want to “change the world.” If you want to make a difference in the world, start by changing yourself. Good role models are difference-makers. The best way to do good is to be good.

4. Character creates longevity

Ability may get you to the top of your field, but character is required to stay there. It’s easy to relax after reaching a goal. Avoid this complacency at all costs. Have the self-discipline to stay the course.

5. Learn forever, die tomorrow

Learn like you’ll live forever, seek wisdom each day. Live as if you’ll die tomorrow, relishing every minute of your life and taking nothing for granted.

6. Preparation is the prize

Satisfaction comes from preparation, not an outcome. The process is the prize, not a score or trophy. Prepare well and execute to the best of your ability — that’s all you control.

7. Failures vs. mistakes

Failures are different from mistakes. Mistakes are mishaps you make along the path of doing something. Failure is not giving your full effort. Only you can judge if you failed. You can fool everyone else.

8. The infection of success

Your past doesn’t guarantee your future. Some people believe success will just repeat itself, but that’s not true. If you believe this, you are “infected” with success. The truth is, success must be continuously earned. Learn from the past, but don’t live in the past.

9. Never live in hindsight

Second guessing is wasted effort. Look back to learn, not to dwell. Your decisions won’t always work out — that’s life. Complaining about it wastes your time. Complaining to others wastes their time.

10. Be a realistic optimist

Your goals should be difficult but attainable. Easy goals give little personal satisfaction. Idealistic goals end up discouraging people. The balance is being a realistic optimist. Set difficult goals still within reach.

11. Winners make the most mistakes

Mistakes come from doing things. Success also comes from doing things. If you want to live mistake-free, do nothing. If you want to win, go out and make mistakes.

12. Learn the trade, not the tricks

Some people chase “tricks of the trade.” If you spend all your time doing this, you’ll never master the trade itself. If you’re looking for a shortcut, there isn’t one. Shortcuts may work for a while, but not for long.

13. Failure to change is fatal

Failure to change is stubbornness. It comes from an unwillingness to learn. There cannot be progress without change. One failure probably won’t be fatal, but failure to realize you must evolve will be.

14. Determine your own final score

You determine the “final score.” Not some arbitrary scoreboard. Focus on improving not comparing, then accept the results that come after that.

15. The guaranteed dividend

Hard work pays dividends. The dividend is not outscoring an opponent. The dividend is knowing you did everything you could to bring forth your potential. This is the only dividend in life that’s guaranteed.

Summary

These are 15 timeless lessons from John Wooden.

I’d encourage you to evaluate yourself against each one as we begin the New Year and honestly ask: How can I improve?

Take one little step along that path in the year ahead, and 2023 will be an amazing year for you.

Happy New Year to all of you who read and support The Process.

It’s hard to believe we’re only four months into this journey together, and we’ll be crossing 10,000 subscribers here shortly.

THANK YOU.

I wish you and your families a healthy and prosperous 2023!

Teddy’s Recommendations

Last week, I shared the 10 best books I read in 2022 on Twitter.

Here are five of them if you’re looking for some new reads for the New Year:

• Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson

• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

• The Last Cowboys by John Branch

• Peak Mind by Amishi Jha

Go here for the full list.

Reading is a critical part of personal improvement.

Hope you find a couple here you like!

I’d love to hear from you

What’s your biggest takeaway from this issue?

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See you next Sunday.

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