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

The First Cornerstone: Industriousness

Industriousness? I mean very simply that you have to work and work hard. There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile things come only from work.

I challenge you to show me one single solitary individual who achieved his or her own personal greatness without lots of hard work.

Michael Jordan? More important than his physical ability is the way he has worked hard to improve any weaknesses he had. Jack Nicklaus? Mr. Nicklaus is legendary for his hard work. Cal Ripken Jr.? The same. And anyone else you might care to mention who has achieved personal success and competitive greatness. Businessperson, clergy, doctor, lawyer, plumber, artist, writer, coach or player, all share a fundamental trait. They work very ...