Coach John Wooden’s 7 Point Creed

I do go to the gym and work out faithfully with my personal trainer. Not because I love it so much, but because I have to! Being a Web Developer and Virtual Assistant means that I spend an inordinate amount of time in front of my computer screens, so getting in regular workouts is critical for me. 

I tell you all this because many of my clients are titans of the fitness industry and last week I was getting personal emails from so many of them celebrating the life of legendary UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden who passed away on June 4, 2010 at the age of 99 that it sent me on a quest for more information about this leader of athletes. I needed to know what lessons could be learned from a man who lived such a rich live and who left it with so much love, respect and sheer admiration from people who knew him through the years.

My friend and client Todd Durkin shared his thoughts about Coach Wooden thusly:

Dear Denise,   

I hope you are doing fantastic.  All is well here in San Diego. 

One of the coaches I always loved was John Wooden.  By now, most of you know that the legendary basketball coach from UCLA who won 10 national championships, passed away last week at the age of 99.  

I read quite a bit of the articles and clips on his life last week and wanted to share a few IMPACTFUL ones.

As a coach, John Wooden convinced college athletes the first thing they needed to learn to be successful was to put on their socks and shoes correctly. He did the same drill every season, despite resistance and chuckles.

Wooden was good at making those around him feel special.

 ”I think it’s so important for a leader to lead by actions, not just by talk,” Wooden said. “He or she must truly care for people as individuals and show real love while they’re under their supervision. And listen. They must listen. Real leaders listen. And show a great amount of respect.”

But I think the best story is that which stems from his father, Joshua Wooden.  His Dad was instrumental in shaping Wooden’s character. He gave him a seven-point creed to live his life by, and Wooden kept that same sheet of paper with the handwritten creeds in his pocket for decades.

When the paper was finally worn out, Wooden had cards of the creed made, and he handed them out to others.

The seven creeds aimed at making the most of oneself are:

1. Be true to yourself.
2. Make each day your masterpiece.
3. Help others.
4. Drink deeply from good books.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

That my friends is IMPACT and I thank Coach Wooden for the wisdom he passed down to many, many generations.  A legend will be missed!

Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS,
Owner, Fitness Quest 10
Head, Under Armour Performance Training Council

4 Responses to “Coach John Wooden’s 7 Point Creed”

1. Dianna Wettlin says:

   June 23, 2010 at 11:18 am

   Thank you for sharing Coach Wooden’s wisdom. I have made a conscious decision to work towards having the seven creeds as a part of my daily life.
2. Denise Griffitts says:

   September 21, 2010 at 2:51 pm

   You and me both!
3. Nary says:

   December 27, 2010 at 4:59 pm

   I heard this in an interview on Focus On The Family. It was so moving and he was so humble. Words to live by.
4. Larry Brake says:

   January 19, 2011 at 8:42 am

   In John Wooden’s 7 point creed point #4 is not correct. His is:

   Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.