The Two Things That Shape Us (According to the World's Greatest Coach)

John Wooden | Sports Illustrated

Legendary basketball coach John Wooden won ten national championships in a 12-year period as head coach for the UCLA Bruins, including winning a record seven consecutive championships. To give you an idea the magnitude of this achievement, no other program has ever won more than four in a row in Division I college men's or women's basketball. Within this period, his teams won an NCAA men's basketball record 88 consecutive games.

Needless to say, Wooden knew what he was doing.

One of the most revered coaches in the history of sports, Wooden was renowned for his short, simple inspirational messages to his players on how to be successful in life as well as in basketball. His 29-year coaching career and overwhelming critical acclaim for his leadership have created a legacy not only in sports but also extending to business, personal success, and organizational leadership.

Referring to Wooden as "the world's greatest coach" is therefore not hyperbole, but perhaps the most appropriate way to describe him. And when the world's greatest coach speaks, you listen.

Of all the things Wooden has said, perhaps my favorite is when he spoke about the importance of who and what you surround yourself with:

"You will be the same person in five years as you are today, except for the people you meet and the books you read." - John Wooden

The true mark of a person is not always who or what we impact, but who or what impacts us. And the great thing is, we get to play a role in that. We choose and allow what we focus on.

Who are you choosing to surround yourself with? What are you choosing to focus your eyes on?

According to the world's greatest coach, these are the two things that ultimately shape our life.