Simply The Best

John Robert Wooden.  Coach Wooden.  The greatest coach ever.  Pro, college, any sport.  Nobody compares.  Not Lombardi, not Bryant, not coach K, not Belicheck.  John Wooden passed away last week at the age of 99.  10 NCAA Championships.  7 in a row.  Countless players mentored.  Never made more than $35k in a year.  Never asked for a raise.  Greatest coach ever, but an even better man and husband.

In my last job I went through some leadership training, part of which included reading one of Wooden’s books.  Growing up a basketball fan, I always admired Coach Wooden as a coach.  This book gave some serious insight into his wisdom, his faith and who he was as a man.  He was, admittedly, a man of faith.  One quote that sticks out to me of his is this, “I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior.  If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me.”  Not exactly the type of words we are used to hearing from today’s coaches.  He is a man that you would die to play for.  To learn from.  His leadership lessons will go on for years.  On the day he died, tons of quotes of his were flying around the internet.  It was pretty amazing to witness.  Out of all of his inspirational quotes, one sticks out to me the most.  I read it during my last job and it pops back into my head on almost a weekly basis.

Don’t mistake activity for achievement.

Pretty simple.  I could write an entire post on just this quote, but to be brief, it helps me to be deliberate about my actions.  Being busy doesn’t mean I’m actually doing anything.  Having my calendar full doesn’t mean I’m having an impact.  Be deliberate about your actions.  Think before you do.  Don’t mistake activity for achievement.  Thanks Coach.

What is your favorite Coach Wooden quote?