I was introduced to “Woodenisms” last year. These are quips of wisdom from John Wooden, UCLA men’s basketball coach, 1948-1975. I absolutely love them!
“Be true to yourself.” “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” “Make each day a masterpiece.” And my favorite, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” Wooden it be nice if we would live by these principles?
A co-worker, years ago, hadn’t made sales goals since I worked with her, and complained she could never get organized. She wasn’t happy with her performance, but would say, “I can’t change. I’m too old and set in my ways.” She was approaching retirement and had given up. She was fun to work with and we all loved her, which made it hard to see her stop trying.
I think John Wooden would have told her, “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”
Old dogs can learn new tricks. You are never too old to change. We can always find ways to improve. Don’t ever give up hope.
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” John Wooden, 1910-2010
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