July 11, 2011 - Industriousness

As coaches, we obviously always want success for our teams/players. We plan practices and workout sessions to help them; we talk with them about goals and how to obtain them; we cheer them on; we challenge them; we rebuke them; we cool them down; we fire them up; etc.

Simply put, coaches have a responsibility to hold players accountable to their personal goals and also the team goals. We have the responsibility of showing them that “success is peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” (John Wooden)

I highly recommend John Wooden’s writings, especially his book that he co-authored with Jay Carty – Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. It lays out many building blocks in one’s life to focus on that are based upon Biblical principles.

To be honest this is on my mind for two reasons.

• The book is laying on my desk
• My oldest son turns 16 today and coaching is much like parenting…

I find it a huge task to “coach” my kids. Therefore in honor of Clay’s birthday I share point number one from the pyramid:

Industriousness:
• In other words – hard work! “There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile results come from hard work and careful planning.” (Wooden)
• “Most people have a tendency to look for shortcuts or at least for the easiest way to complete any given task.” (Wooden)
• “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” (God; Proverbs 21:5)

To those reading this and especially my son,

Take heed to the truths that are found here. We could also find many places in the Proverbs that discuss the importance of finding wisdom!