Wooden

John Wooden succinctly explains the principles that he lives his life by. He interestingly weaves personal stories and practical wisdom together to make the lessons he wants to convey strong and memorable. In a culture that bases success on wins and losses, John Wooden offers a shocking alternative definition, simply that success is peace of mind which is a direct result of knowing that an athlete has done all he can to become their best. His incredible performance at UCLA shows that when executed meticulously, such a philosophy can produce wins, and more importantly, great role models.

This book was incredible. Every sentence rang with meaning, every word could be used to change the course of one's life toady. This book has had a tremendous impact on my life, and, now, I follow the book's advice, and 'make every day my own masterpiece'. John Wooden is not just an incredible coach, he can write an absolutely incredible book as well. A combination of 'Chicken Soup' and a philosophy book, this book now occupies the spot of honor on my shelf. Thank you so much, Mr. Wooden.

This book is a must read for every parent, teacher, and coach. AND it should be a must read for every high school student and athlete. This should be at the top of every high school English teacher's required reading list for their students. It would certainly provide far more benefit than some of the "classics" they are now required to read. If more kids read this book at an early age, it would help them understand many values in life that unfortunately many don't discover until much later in life, if at all. Mr. Wooden writes in such an easy to understand and concise manner that kids will find it very easy but yet very powerful reading. It wasn't written specifically for kids, but they can certainly benefit the most before they get too set in their ways.

This short, easy to read, throughouly accessible volume is but a brief distillation and synthesis of over 50 years of teaching, coaching and life long learning. Mr. John Wooden is so much more than an extremely successful basketball coach. He is a philosopher, mentor and fellow traveller. This brief collection offers a treasure trove of daily inspirational messages and guidance for all people who long to achieve ultimate success in any walk of life.

Wooden teaches many lessons, but two that stand out are:

1) Love is not a feeling, but rather a full-time job. (Wooden doesn't say this blatantly. This is the message that rings through every sentence.)

2) Ultimately winning is not measured in scores or trophies but rather personal satisfaction in committing to task with all of one's abilities.

A must read for all.

John was truly a team player no matter what his tasks was. He taught many to understand others, but also understand actions in every different situation.Wooden shares his personal philosophy on family, achievement, success, and excellence on every aspect of life. John shares his teachings to others and guides them with wisdom far beyond sports. This book written by John Wooden himself with Steve Jamison will pull you in, as you read a lifetime of observations and refelctions on and off the court, and how great his success was at U.C.L.A as a basket ball coach.
I mostly enjoyed the man's passion for being a better person in life, but also teaching others. He was a man of integrity with great knowledge and wisdom, he created success. What I like most about the book is that in a way to read about John, it is also a learning experience, because you are still learning about his teachings. I most respect on how John took lessons taught as a child from his parents and continued to take them with him in life. I also like how he had a pyramid of success faith and patience were at the top. He was a man of his word, but also the "word," that being the bible.
I do not dislike anything about this book, because there are many different teachings to value. It makes you want to learn more from life everday and how you can make your work that much better. His benevolence is proudly displayed in all aspects of life, but most importantly he also learned from his players as he coached them everday. This shows that not everyone is here to teach, but many are here to listen. As Wooden did so, he lived his life with wisdom, success, and leading to your capabilities