Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Character Creates Longevity

I believe ability can get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there. A big part of character is the self-discipline needed to avoid complacency, resist temptation, and understand that past success doesn’t guarantee future success.

It’s so easy to relax, to cut corners, to let down after you’ve reached your goal, and begin thinking you can just “turn it on” automatically, without proper preparation. It takes real character to keep working as hard or even harder once you’re there.

When you read about an athlete or team that wins over and over and over, remind yourself, “More than ability, they have character.”

Remember this your lifetime through—

Tomorrow, there will be more to do.

And failure waits for ...