Like Minds - Lessons from John Wooden

Since this blog is dedicated to Creating Happiness and Building Business Value, I thought it might be a good idea to define success.

To do this, I looked to a Wizard for wisdom. No, not Merlin, but John Wooden, The Wizard of Westwood. 

“Success is peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” 

Please note that the Coach’s definition does not have anything to do with winning in the context of an individual contest or season.  However, it has everything to do with winning in the context of a life well lived.

The Coach’s definition of success was greatly influenced by a couple of key principles he learned from his Father.

1. Do not try to be better than someone else.
2. Always try to be the best you can be.

John Wooden’s Dad urged him to always learn from other people. But he also cautioned against depending on others to define his self-worth or success. 

Within this framework, each person becomes the only one who can ultimately judge his or her own success. You are the only one who knows whether you have won. 

Do you satisfy this definition of success personally?

Do you satisfy this definition of success organizationally?

Please share with us your definition of success.

We would love to hear from you!