The difference between winning and succeeding | John Wooden

"dont whine, dont complain, dont make excuses. you get out there and whatever your doing, do to the best of your ability. And no one can do more than that." favorite line

Coach Wooden died at age 99 and was as sharp as a tack to the very end, the world needs more people like him.

Reputation is what people think about you. Character is what you really are. 6:50 never be late. Be neat and clean. Start on time and leave on time. Not one word of profanity. 8:30 Never criticize a team mate, that is a coaches job. 9:12 he shows his pyramid. The top is faith and patience. trust things will work out as they should if you do what you should. 11:53 a set of 3 from dad. 1 Don't whine 2 Don't complain 3 Don't make excuses. Do what your doing to the best of your ability.

I live 3 or 4 miles away from his childhood home. I often ride my bike out there and ponder on the idea that 80 years ago he was looking at the same fields and sky as I am at that very moment. He is an example that greatness can come from anywhere and anyone. Hard work is necessary no matter how easy something comes to you.

I clapped at the end of this. Such humility from this coach and teacher. He never spoke a word about his accomplishments. He only spoke of his students and players deeds. Amazing

Even at an “advanced” age this man was quick and sharp. He rattled off wisdom at light speed.

Coach Wooden what a gift to the world I could here him talk and teach all day...truly the best of what humanity can offer.

I love (and hopefully live) it... "Your reputation is what you're perceived to be, your character is what you really are." ~John Wooden

“If you make the effort to do the best of which you’re capable; trying to improve the situation that exists for you...that’s success...”. - John Wooden

It seems after all there IS something to be gained by memorizing things. As a former teacher, I can tell you memorization is something frowned on by today's education "experts." I think Coach Wooden has fairly well demonstrated that remembering life lessons from one's father and great passages from good writers is something worthy of our time and effort. It seems to have stood him in pretty good stead, I would say.

To call this man gifted would be an insult. This man was a gift.

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." John Wooden

I just finished reading one of his books "Wooden on Leadership" what a brilliant masterpiece, he is truly invaluable, I wanted to be in his presence reading his philosophy & wisdom. Very intelligent man! May God rest his soul, R.I.P

John Wooden is so unique. What a great role model, and deliverer of such powerful wisdom. A Martinsville, Indiana native.

I just love and respect this guy. He's truly an inspiration and annointed to coach and lead others into winning. I literally cried from just listening to him talk. God bless him.

It's amazing how such an incredibly accomplished man that's in his 90's can recite values he lived by to earn those accomplishments that were all given to him by his father. I'm sure his dad was a great man, and it goes to show just how powerful of an impact you have as a father/mother and how much you shape who the adult your child ends up becoming. I'm now 25 and see many people my age with young children and I wish they would realize this

This guy is the most freakishly intelligent human in sports ever. I'd be terrified and excited to be coached by him all at the same time.

As an Oregon Duck, I hated UCLA basketball, but I know a man of honor when I see one. Coach Wooden was one of a kind, a man of great integrity and determination. Ask Kareem or Walton (and anybody else he coached and mentored) about Coach Wooden and they will sing his praises for hours on end. The results of his philosophy are apparent in both college basketball and life.

I loved this man. So soft spoken and wise.

Always a gentleman and encourager. I must strive for that more often. Thanks for the reminder, Coach Wooden.

Coach Wooden was the epitome of a leader in any profession, but especially education. His comments in this video demonstrate how he "nurtures and sustains a culture of collaboration, trust, learning, and high expectations" (ISLLC #2).

I was a student at UCLA during the 60's when Mr Wooden was there, outstanding individual who really made a difference in people's lives.

So intelligent yet so humble. A classic.

Never cease trying to be the best you can be. That's under your control. If you get too engrossed and involved, concern, regard in things which you have no control, it will immensely affect the things you have control. -John Wooden

What a graceful, dignified, and wise man. Gotta love Mr. Wooden!

Coach Wooden was a remarkable and humble man. He succeeded like no one else, not just in basketball but also in life. He never lost his composure no matter how difficult the game situation. His players loved and respected him. His lessons are true today and we should follow them.

What a sound mind. Very intelligent man. So glad he stayed in California and inspired many around the world. Thank you!

An inspiration, a man who walked his talk, if only we all had great teachers and coaches like him.

Brilliant man. We miss figures like this in today's society.

I probably watched this about 100 times by now, it’s 2019 and the year is almost over. I’m sure I’m still gonna watch it, I love the humility and discipline he portrays. Every time I had an interview or test, I would watch this to gain motivation and confidence, to always do my best and not compare my self to others but yet learn from others. “The road ahead or the road behind”

An unbelievably wise yet humble man whom I think was the BEST college coach there will ever be. He taught his players more than just a game. He taught them how to LIVE!

Beautiful message ! 😍 You will be forever missed, coach Wooden !😭 Blessings from Taiwan ! 🤗 Jesus loves everyone ! 😇

I am amazed to see John Wooden had a Ted Talk; I had no idea he spoke for the organization. There are no words to describe how much I look up to my great grandfather, and I wish I was old enough to understand his philosophies from childhood. As I age, I imagine his inspirational beliefs will become more vivid to me. I miss him, and always will; wishing today I could have had an adult (man to man) conversation about life.

I was blessed to spend some time with Coach. My recruiting trip to UCLA was during BB season. The Sports Information Dept., and whoever else thought I should sit next to Coach in Pauley for a nationally televised game. He had an aura, a peace, a serenity about him. Instant comfort. He walked the walk, you could feel it in your soul. A true blessing to spend some time with Coach Wooden. He’s the real deal and an unbending, unquestionable man who walked the walk. I had others who were so special they radiated, but only so many who’s greatness radiated and made you better just with their presence. Jack Nicklaus and Larry Nelson were two others for me. You find others who’s presence makes you better- don’t let go. They’re gifts. Take advantage of those opportunities, whether their teachers, athletes, coaches, industry leaders or the best damn garbageman n town- it takes a team. Surround yourself with those who make you strive to be a better person. FWIW. ❤

Love John Wooden and all he stood for.

This man is one of the few I believe to have the keys to the "Ft. Knox" of plain-spoken American wisdom. The effect he had on his students and players was so profound that I've seen interviews with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Keith Wilkes and Bill Walton where they literally can repeat all of his lessons verbatim. We're finally getting closer to "Lead by putting others First" "Earned not Entitled" and the most important one: CHARACTER MATTERS. RIP Coach....

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." John Wooden

I have a lot more respect for my school teachers now than I ever had when I was at school.

"Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are." John Wooden

Man this wisdom is the wisdom of lifetime, an entire life compiled in 10 minute... Bow down to this man.... Amazing

What a sweet man. Not a bad coach, either-10 national champions in 12 years, seven in a row, with small teams and with his giants. We will not see his like again.

he lived a great life, legendary coach, wise words :))

He was the Bruin coach when I was there and Walton and I shared a class where he once tried to copy from me. My wife and I had season tickets for UCLA Basketball and football and we didn't miss a game. I had the pleasure of watching his last championship where he didn't have the best team yet won. And I was at Pualley for his send off, a sad but great night. This was a great man in every stage of a man's life. The Wizzard of Westwood was one of a kind and I was there to share in his magic.

I wish I had been one of his players. What a great and wise man.

❤️Greatest coach that ever lived . Wonderful man 🙏🏼

"If you get to engrossed and involved and concerned in regard to things over which you have no control, it will adversely affect the things over which you have control".I volunteer time at a charity organization that focuses on the needs of empoverished kids and it absolutely makes me do that.What a great realingment of thought! Thanks!

May all the teachers be like you, Mr. Wooden. Thank you

Wow. I loved it. It feels so good being a teacher and seeing the youngsters become great!

A man of wisdom and character. I could listen to this man for hours on end!

Jah Bless the wizard of westwood. A good man! more than a basketball coach. Rest in Power Brother Wooden.

Greatest man ever. He was built with intelligence and wisdom flowed through his veins. He will always be remembered and loved from his fans and former players.

What a brilliant powerful speech! A legend!

Easily one of the best ever... someone to learn from for any leader in any profession

Teachers and coaches like this brings out the best in everyone....never disrespect the elderly people..

Coach Wooden; what a class act; very wise; very humble.

Every coach in the country should be required to watch this!! He is a Master

"Success is the feeling to grow through ones self-defined tasks." - To me this is true

One of the few incredible human beings who walked this world. And the greatest coaches ever!!!!!!

The best coach that ever lived ❤️Wonderful man of God .

The greatest Coach, achieved more NCAA championships than anyone period. - But more importantly was concerned about developing and truly humanly improving each person for life. Incredible principles, incredible results he achieved. This humble man was a Master at improving people in life. Classic principles that I wish the popular corporate so called leaders would understand. He never mentioned winning- astounding- he focused them on giving all to self improvement and giving their total all.

something about this man's wisdom, I should use his philosophic approach when I become a football coach

Great man with deep wisdom.

John Wooden: One of the figures on the Mt. Rushmore of American plain-spoken wisdom. Taking us all to school in the most gentle productive, nurturing way possible. Like all the greatest Coaches first, and foremost, a Teacher. RIP

An outstanding upright individual Coach Wooden was. His wisdom, his character....amazing. I wish we have more people like him among us.

This man is my role model. Never a dual moment. I just want too hear more from him.

Basically, she's saying that in her time of teaching, she has many students, some who will be destined for great things, and she's happy to know all of them. She had the experience of knowing a lot of great people even though nobody knew it at the time, so what she liked most about teaching was being with these people.

To speak this swiftly on interesting subjects is admirable in a 30 year old. To do it at his age is remarkable.

There are few people who ingest music/poetry into their lives as using words to their full ability. He used so many quotes and yet the thing that really gets me is his humility. Such a great man!

Why elders matter when they really paid attention to humanity and how we learn. Thank you sir.

There has never been a greater coach.....in any sport....in any era .......watch this and enjoy the wisdom that can be used in any part of your life.

He might be a basketball coach, but Mr John Wooden is much more than that. His talk and philosophy reflects life as it should be. A man with class and integrity... Thank you Mr Wooden.

Incredible leader and example! I am so glad this talk was preserved.

I have watched this video more times than I could keep count, the amount of inspiration I get from watching this video alone I can never quantify. What an inspiration you have been John. Your legacy lives on. “They ask me why I teach and I say, where could I find such splendid company”

After watching this I know when I think of the word wisdom I will think of this video and John Wooden.. Rest in peace.

I am so glad that we had him for 99 years.

This is the one man, I wish I could have met in my life, and I can't imagine anything else I could have asked for.

Love how he recites the verses.

Brother Wooden is an inspiration!

He taught character through the game of basketball

"No written word, no spoken plea can teach our youth what they should be. Nor all the books on all the shelves, it's what the teachers are themselves."

Well said like always Uncle John !

He doesn't miss a beat. Amazing.

Coach Wooden was a good man and great man. He was also a great American. He is good for our children and for all of us.

legend. when this kind of message is passed on to youth and they embrace it wonderful things happen. this is why coach wooden loves teaching and coaching. god bless you coach

I strongly recommend to make a quick research about the speakers in the TED talks before watching the videos. I was surprised when my calculus professor mentioned coach John Wooden and nobody seemed to knew who he was. I have a great respect for Coach John Wooden, he has been the very best college basketball coach in history and deserves a lot of credit for that.

To the 598 thumbs down, I feel truly sorry for you. How can you not recognize what an incredible gift this man was.

This ought to be required viewing for every coach in the country. When popular tee-shirts say things like, "2nd place is 1st loser," it's a breath of fresh air to hear John Wooden's definition of success. Winning is not the "only thing;" my apologies to Vince Lombardi.

I grew up in the town where Johnny Wooden was born. I know many of his relatives never met him but every one in that family is as genuinely good as can be.

RIP John Wooden Not just a Legendary Coach but also a Humble Person who wanted more for his Players than just basketball. God definite blessed us with his presence in the world. We will never have the likes of such an Exordinary Person again.

They don't make them like this great man anymore. Very good video. Thank you for posting!

I grew up watching this man coach in Pauley Pavilion as a kid, thanks to my dad who would bring me to the UCLA basketball games. From Lew Alcindor to Bill Walton it was amazing to witness sports history in-person. I always knew that there was some magic in the Wizard of Westwood. Go Bruins!

This man had a profound message and measure of wisdom that went deep into immutable principles. No wonder he coached so many successful players (that I can account for)

Every so often I manage to discover a presentation on you tube which is completely inspirational. This was such an example . I had not heard of this American but his non stop outpouring of belief in people, his demonstration of personal integrity as well as a personal charisma untainted by cynicism and negativity, reminded me of certain men and women who exercise human gifts at the level of something called Amazing Grace. They reassure us of that wonderful quote, 'when men an women are fully alive and fully human, there is the glory of God'. These people remind us that we can all be 'the best that we can be'. Isn't that what makes our world a fabulous place to be in and life really worth living?

I remember an assistant coach from Cal-State Univeristy Chico in the early 1970s who talked about a training camp he attended lead by Coach Wooden. He said coach Wooden talked to all of them as if he had known them years( and that put them at ease to learn from him.)

Notice how crisp and rapid the Coach's speech pattern was at an advanced age. Intelligence, wisdom, and quite a body that almost reached 100. Remember he was an All American at Purdue, and in the Hall of Fame as a player also.

John Wooden is one of the wisest men I have ever met. A major reason Coach Wooden was so successful was that he coached "the youngsters" whole self, the game was almost secondary.

When this podcast began,all it took was the sound of this legendary coach's voice to make me stand still!! They don't make them like his one anymore.....we've tried,but rarely successful....

Golden words this Man has Spoken! One of the Best.

Incredible. Can you believe how sharp this man's mind was at 99 years old!!!

I'll bet this guy's Dad was extraordinarily. Faith and Patience. Love those words.