A look into Danny's goal sheet: John Wooden

I have a list of goals I try to look at every morning when I first wake up. But more than just goals, I use it as a storehouse of the most inspirational, uplifting wisdom I've collected over the years. Reading that kinda stuff before you get going with the day? That'll get you fired up, boy.

I'm sharing today my quotes from John Wooden – 10X UCLA NCAA Basketball Champion coach. As a UCLA guy, I was always aware of Wooden (plus he was a Beta Theta Pi member), but I didn't read any of his books on life and career until a few years ago. Not only is he a great winner, but he's possibly the best person to ever live. Stood steafastly by his black players in the most segregationary times, wrote his dead wife letters every week and slept with them under his pillow – just a total saint. These are my favorite quotes by John.

“What is so important to recognize is that you are totally in control of your success – not your opponent, not the judges, critics, media, or anyone else” - John Wooden

Danny's interpretation: Nothing can affect your success but you. If people are talking shit, if people don't believe in you, if you lose a leg to a landmine and the bank you keep all your money in spontaneously combusts – it's still in your control to continue moving forward and being successful. Nothing matters but your actions and attitude.

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

Danny's interpretation: This one is pretty straight forward. It's his defining quote, the one that was thought fit for inclusion on John's statue outside the UCLA basketball stadium. Basically, do your best to become the person you want to be everyday, and you'll feel good about yourself. Though it's tempting to judge yourself purely on your results in a given field as measured against the competition – did I bring in enough money this month? is my work as good as Timothy's? should I have more money at this stage of my life? – try to focus more on the steps you need to take to be successful in your field and in your life. In other words, don't look at the scorecard. Just do your best to play the game.