Using the Pyramid of Success

Coach John Wooden popularized the Pyramid of Success over forty years ago, and the Pyramid applies as well to life success as it does to basketball.

Wooden thought a lot about the meaning of success, ultimately deciding it was peace of mind in knowing that you did your very best. Raised on a small farm in Indiana, he developed values that would work in any profession in any era. He lived his life predicated on preparation and communication, logical extensions of his training as a teacher.

In Steve Jamison's wonderful little book, "Wooden" he shares the lessons learned over a lifetime. For example, he writes that Abraham Lincoln tried to learn from everyone he met, but mostly learned what NOT to do. Wooden learned from the abuse that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lewis Alcindor) suffered, and emphasized that all of the players with whom he worked needed to understand their value.

The cornerstones of The Pyramid are industriousness and enthusiasm. He explains that industriousness implies not only willing but eager work and describes the differences. At the core, he places conditioning (physical, mental, moral), skill, and team spirit, and notes that these apply just as much to any profession as to sport.  Proceeding up, he places poise and confidence just below 'competitive greatness', leading you to the pinnacle, 'success' using his definition.

Morever, near competitive greatness, he places patience and faith, recognizing the requirements of time and trust for achievement.

Every person, every family, every community faces adversity at various times and in various degrees. How we individually and collectively prepare and respond defines us.