John Wooden > Quotes

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
― John Wooden

“Don't mistake activity with achievement.”
― John Wooden

“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”
― John Wooden

“If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over?”
― John Wooden

“The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”
― John Wooden

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”
― John Wooden

“Never make excuses. Your friends don't need them and your foes won't believe them.”
― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

“Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference.”
― John Wooden

“Be true to yourself.
Make each day your masterpiece.
Help others.
Drink deeply from good books.
Make friendship a fine art.
Build a shelter against a rainy day.
Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.”
― John Wooden

“You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.”
― John Wooden

“It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.”
― John Wooden

“You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”
― John Wooden

“Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. ”
― John R Wooden

“Don't let yesterday take up too much of today.”
― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

“Discipline yourself and others won't need to.”
― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
― John Wooden

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it again?”
― John Wooden

“A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.”
― John Wooden

“Happiness begins where selfishness ends.”
― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

“Never try to be better than someone else. Learn from others, and try to be the best you can be. Success is the by-product of that preparation.”
― John Wooden

“Listen if you want to be heard”
― John Wooden

“Players with fight never lose a game, they just run out of time”
― John Wooden

“Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.”
― John Wooden

“Five years from now, you’re the same person except for the people you’ve met and the books you’ve read.”
― John Wooden

“Don't let making a living prevent you from making a life.”
― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

“Be quick, but don't hurry.”
― John Wooden

“Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating...too often fathers neglect it because they get so caught up in making a living they forget to make a life.”
― John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”
― John Wooden

“‎"Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.”
― John Wooden