Sunday, September 5, 2010

Wooden's Secret of Success - Initiative


As we move toward the right on the second level of the pyramid, we come to “initiative”. With initiative in the middle, we see how it stands on top of loyalty and cooperation and towards the right hand link of “sincerity”. When we combine all of these values together, we continue to see how Wooden promotes the idea of remaining a noble, strong, and fearless individual while we do our best for the sake of others. In taking initiative he says we should, “Cultivate the ability to make decisions and think alone. Do not be afraid of failure, but learn from it.” In looking at all the blocks, we must be sincere in our efforts to be our best while serving the team.

Wooden believed that a person’s character should be paramount to winning and if you don’t think and act like a leader then the team would suffer. While we may all not be natural leaders, we may affect others’ actions, thoughts and beliefs in ways we never realized. By not recognizing our unique abilities to sincerely help and lead others, we are not taking initiative. Wooden does say that we must “cultivate” this trait, in others words it can take time. While it may take time, you may realize you are taking initiative without recognizing it.

Do you throw away trash that you see left behind without any recognition or thanks? Do you wear a watch to practice, have good eating habits, stretch well vs. going through the motions, avoid people that take you away from being the best you can be? If the answer is “yes” to any of these, then you are showing initiative. You are acting as a role model for others even if they don’t acknowledge it. You are helping yourself and your team.

However, in taking these actions, there is very little risk involved. There is no chance of failing. It is in that fear of failure that we decide to never take action. We become stuck and unwilling to take action because the results could be less than perfect. If you can keep in mind that we are not and never will be perfect, you can perhaps free up your mind and body to achieve any type of goal.

One of John Wooden’s team managers was quoted as saying he would have to go into the gym ticket booth on game night to see who the team was playing that day. Wooden would never talk about an opponent, he never prepared his teams to go against any one team, but challenged them each to take initiative to be their best no matter who the opponent. “Respect your opponent, but never fear them. You have nothing to fear if you have prepared to the best of your ability.” By taking the initiative to do more than what you thought possible, physically and emotionally, you are improving yourself and thus improving our team.
In the book “Beyond Success”, the author Brian Dibiro says that when you take initiative, you are taking action. However, it is “the difference between knowing what to do and doing what you know. “ We know what it takes to succeed, but it is our ability to take initiative (the doing) that helps you lead a more noble life and become a more inspiring teammate. You can do more, even when nobody is looking. The end result will speak for itself. What do you want your results to be?
“Remember this your lifetime through- Tomorrow there will be more to do.- And failure waits for all who stay-With some success made yesterday. Tomorrow you must try once more- And even harder than before.”

Written by Leisha Clendenen

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