SUCCESS

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you have made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

This is a quote by Coach John Wooden and is one of my favorites. If you feel the need to read something on inspiration, success, or leadership pick up one of Wooden's books...one AWESOME and knowledgeable man!

One thing that I like about this quote is that it reminds me that we do not have to be perfect, God just wants us to put forth our best effort. We will fail, but as long we are giving our all, God is pleased. God made us, He knows all about us; He knows we are not perfect, therefore, He doesn't expect us to be.

What is success? John Wooden proposes that there are about 15 aspects that make up success:

1)Industriousness - we have to work...and work HARD. Give everything you got! It consists more of just going through the motions. "You can work without being industrious, but you cannot be industrious without work."

2)Friendship - the most important aspects of relationships are respect and camaraderie. There must be a spirit of goodwill between the two individuals of a friendship. If you respect someone, you will give everything you have to help them.

3)Loyalty - be loyal to everyone who you may impact...that's what people look for in a leader.

4)Cooperation - we must be willing to work with others if we want to accomplish anything. "To get cooperation, you have to give cooperation." You are not the only person with good ideas. If you wish to be heard, take time to listen. Always seek to find the best way rather than insisting that your way is the best.

5)Enthusiasm - you must love what you do. Without enthusiasm, you cannot work to your fullest ability or potential.

6)Self Control - this is essential for discipline and in order to master your emotions. You cannot function effectively unless your emotions are under control. When your self-discipline breaks down, your judgment and common sense suffer. "Control your self so that others won't have to do it for you."

7)Alertness - look at the big picture! As you strive to accomplish goals, keeping the big picture in perspective will make those tasks much easier. Observe constantly; be quick to spot a weakness and to correct it.

8)Initiative - have the courage to make decisions and act on them. Do not fear failure; if you are afraid to fail, you will never do the things you are capable of doing. Use good judgment; initiate quickly but not carelessly.

9)Intentness - determination, persistence, tenacity, perseverance. It is the ability to resist temptation and stay the course; concentrate on the goal at hand with determination and resolve. Do not give up on the road to achievement no matter how tough it gets.

10)Condition - you must identify your conditioning requirements and then attain them. Without proper conditioning in all areas, you will fall short of your potential.

11)Skill - you have to know what you're doing and be able to do it quickly and properly. Execute! More skill with less experience is of greater worth than more experience with less skill. It requires learning; be a lifelong learner.

12)Team Spirit - "an eagerness to sacrifice personal interest or glory for the welfare of all."

13)Poise - be true and balanced...regardless of the situation at hand. Do not panic under pressure; hold fast to your principles and act in accordance with them.

14)Confidence - earned by tenaciously pursuing and attaining assets that help you reach your highest level of competency. Reap confidence, not arrogance.

15)Competitive Greatness - a real love for the real battle, knowing it offers the opportunity to be at your best when your best is required. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."