Wooden’s Wisdom created by Coach Craig Impelman and The John R. Wooden Course
www.woodencourse.com
Wooden's Wisdom - Volume 1
Issue 9
DEFINING SUCCESS
Coach Wooden’s definition of success is
one of his most-quoted pieces of wisdom:
"Success is peace of mind which is a direct
result of self-satisfaction in knowing you
made the effort to become the best of which
you are capable."
He first penned those words back in 1934,
after several years of careful consideration
and study upon the subject. But what were
the experiences that helped shape his beliefs
and guide his thoughts on the matter?
COACH'S
FAVORITE POETRY
AND PROSE
SUCCESS
Some say success is in
fortune and fame,
First was, of course,
the insight of Coach’s
father, Joshua. “Never
try to be better
than someone else.
But always be
learning from others,”
he used to remind
young John and his
brothers. “Never
cease trying to be the
best you can be. One is under your control;
the other isn’t.”
This same philosophy was reiterated in a
slightly different way when Coach was still
in high school. His history teacher, Mr. L. J.
Shidler, charged each student to write his or
her personal definition of success. After
reviewing the answers from the class, Mr.
Shidler expressed disappointment that the
young people had all generally agreed with
the definition of the word as it appeared in
Webster’s Dictionary – that success was
“the accumulation of material possessions or
the attainment of a position of power or
prestige.” It was their teacher’s opinion,
however, that success can come only from
peace of mind. This assignment made a
lasting impression on Coach.
Later, when he began teaching high school
himself in Dayton, Kentucky, he found that
students hadn’t changed much – nor had
their parents. Coach recalled:
I became somewhat surprised by the
pressures placed on the students in my high
school English classes primarily by their
Or winning the crown in a
championship game.
Some say success is
in riches and gold,
Or trophies and medals
That’s what we’ve been told.
We worship the winners
who shine in the race,
And shame all the trailers
who hold second place.
We train our poor children
to only be best.
“Success is just when you’re
ahead of the rest.”
We tell them success is
an A or a B,
And that something is wrong
if they bring home a C.
“What’s wrong with the teacher?
Why can’t my child pass?
When you know that you gave it all,
then you’ll find,
That self-satisfaction
gives sweet peace of mind.
And that peace of mind,
that you only possess,
Is your declaration
that you’re a success.
parents. It seemed that most parents wanted
and expected their children to receive an A
or a B. Now we all know that the good Lord
in his infinite wisdom did not create us all
equal as far as intelligence is concerned
anymore than we are all equal as far as
physical appearance, as far as size or as far
as the environment into which we are born.
We’re all different and that's good. Not
everyone could earn an A or B. But I felt
that I had youngsters who earned the mark
of C who were every bit as successful as
some who received A's or B's.
However it seemed to me in those early
years many parents considered both teacher
and youngster a failure if an A or B was not
received. Perhaps the teacher was too
young and inexperienced but might improve
in time. If the youngster received a C , the
average grade in that particular system, oh
that would be all right for their neighbors
children all of whom of course were average
but not for their own.
In my opinion a mark received in class is no
more valid a way to judge the success of a
student than scores validly determine the
success of a sporting event. It may
determine a winner but not necessarily
success . . . I was concerned about my
English students so I began searching for
something that could help me become a
better teacher and give my students a
realistic goal or objective.
Around that same time, Coach spied a poem
posted on a wall at a Dayton barbershop
while he was waiting for a haircut:
Swen Nater
February, 2002
My child’s name should be
at the top of the class.
My taxes are spent and
remain in their pay,
So why is my genius
not getting an A?
“My child is not average,”
They say as they’re riled.
“That place is reserved for
the neighborhood child.”
But God in His wisdom,
when making this race,
Did not make us equal
in talent and grace.
For some of us run,
but then others are lame.
But both share success
if they try just the same.
If you came up short
when you went for the A,
But gave it your all
till the very last day,
And effort was made
to be all you can be,
You’re still a success
if you brought home a C.
At God’s footstool to confess,
A poor soul knelt and bowed his head.
"I failed," he cried. The Master said,
“Thou didst thy best that is success.”
Yours in Coaching
Craig Impelman
www.woodencourse.com
Twitter: @woodenswisdom
Armed with that short poem and the
memories of the lessons from his father and
Mr. Shidler, Coach Wooden composed the
definition that served him well for the rest
of his career and his life. It became one of
his fundamental philosophies – the basis of
his Pyramid of Success and his greatest
challenge to those who would look to him as
a mentor.
It bears repeating: "Success is peace of mind
which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in
knowing you made the effort to become the
best of which are capable." What a world
this would be if we each embraced such
success every day.
Yours in coaching,
Craig Impelman
The John R. Wooden Course
For more information, visit www.WoodenCourse.com