Playbook for Success: A Hall of Famer's Business Tactics for Teamwork and Leadership

Chapter 8. Stay in Shape

If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?

—John Wooden, Hall of Fame Basketball Coach

Why was I able to play for nine minutes in a WNBA pro basketball game at age 50 and not make a fool of myself? Because I've kept myself in shape.

Even after I retired from basketball, I worked out on a regular basis because I like to feel good about myself. I was taught early on in life that my body was my temple, and I always took that seriously. I've made sure, to the best of my ability, that I don't abuse my body. I respect it and do everything possible to defy time and gravity (which, sadly, is ultimately a losing battle!).

There are so many things that we can't control when it comes to our health. However, we do each have the ability to do something positive for ourselves by eating right and staying in shape. When you feel good about yourself physically—if you're healthy and not dragging or tired—you feel like you can take on the world. That's why the health and beauty business is a multibillion-dollar—and growing—segment of the market—few among us are not trying to look and feel better. Why? Because when we look better, we feel better. Perception does become reality, in most cases. Think about it this way: If you're willing to put in the hours at the office to achieve success, you need to do the same with your health and appearance.

I make it a point to do something athletic every day, whether it's walking outside, getting on the treadmill ...