John Wooden's Key to Success

A few days ago I wrote an article titled “3 Steps to Better Leadership”(Click to read article). When discussing how to build a successful team, I mentioned that too often leaders fail because they spend too much time trying to improve others and not enough time improving themselves. I just read an article in success magazine about the 9 promises John Wooden made to himself, and saw the perfect opportunity to elaborate on my point.

According to the article, John Wooden carried a creed in his wallet from the age of 12. This creed consisted of 9 promises by which he tried to live his life.

Promise yourself that you will talk health, happiness, and prosperity as often as possible.
Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special that you value.
Promise to think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best in yourself and others.
Promise to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
Promise to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements in the future.
Promise to wear a cheerful appearance at all times and give every person you meet a smile.
Promise to give so much time improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit trouble to press on you.

You don’t have to want to be a great coach, company CEO, business owner, or some other massive persona to have these promises be a factor in your life and in the lives of those around you. The very principles that helped a man build and lead championship teams can improve something as simple as a friendship or strengthen a family dynamic. In these challenging times, endless energy is spent complaining and blaming. This is a blatant violation of the 9 promises listed above. I assure you that most of the important solutions that we seek in our lives can be found by taking a good hard look in the mirror and applying these principles to our daily lives. I encourage everyone to make a little extra room in their wallets…not for money, or another credit card, but for a piece of paper that reminds us that self improvement is the key to success.

To Our Success,

Justice Eagan

If you like this article please share it on face book

Click this link to see the only Government Approved Money Making System on Facebook