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Quotes from John Wooden

Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character.
~ John Wooden
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.
~ John Wooden
Make sure that team members know they are working with you, not for you.
~ John Wooden
A player who makes a team great is better than a great player.
~ John Wooden
Decisions are more apt to be accepted when you've listened to suggestions first. I wanted them to see the reason behind what I asked of them, not to do things just because I said so.
~ John Wooden
It takes time to create excellence. If it could be done quickly, more people would do it.
~ John Wooden
Discipline of others isn't punishment. You discipline to help, to improve, to correct, to prevent, not to punish, humiliate, or retaliate.
~ John Wooden
Ability is a poor man's wealth.
~ John Wooden
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
~ John Wooden
Hustle makes up for many a mistake.
~ John Wooden
An effective leader develops the ability to correctly identify the pertinent detail or details - incidentals in a market, industry or sport that might create an incremental advantage.
~ John Wooden
Many ... have tremendous God-given gifts, but they don't focus on the development of those gifts. Who are these individuals? You've never heard of them- and you never will .
~ John Wooden
I don't believe in looking back. If you make a decision that you think is the proper one at a time, then that's the correct decision.
~ John Wooden
It is normal to enjoy praise and dislike criticism. True character is when you prevent either from affecting you in a negative matter.
~ John Wooden
Whether you know it or not, whether you like it or not, the habits you are developing now will be with you for the rest of your life.
~ John Wooden
Make each day your masterpiece. Life is now. Life is not later on.
~ John Wooden
Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
~ John Wooden
Earn the right to be proud and confident.
~ John Wooden
I don't believe in fate.
~ John Wooden
It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.
~ John Wooden
I am just a common man who is true to his beliefs.
~ John Wooden
If we, as coaches, aren't teachers, we are nothing
~ John Wooden
Always think of passing the ball before shooting it.
~ John Wooden
I think that in any group activity - whether it be business, sports, or family - there has to be leadership or it won't be successful.
~ John Wooden