Making a Difference
So the media is showcasing the widespread mourning after the death of Coach John Wooden. Here was a man that was simply a basketball coach, but yet left a legacy that will long outlive most. Because of who he was. And what a wonderful lesson there is in this for us…
From presidents to prime ministers, few left behind an inheritance of greatness like the coach did. A simple man, he lived a life that resembled a Norman Rockwell painting.
He met his wife at a carnival in 1932 and was devoted to her until she died. After her death he kept to a monthly ritual, visiting her grave and then writing a love letter to her. After completing the letter, he would place it on the stack on the pillow she slept on during their life together.
From the colleges to the pros, and on to the general public, this simple man inspired millions not just because he won championships, but because he won them the right way. Some of his thoughts:
“A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.”
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
“Be prepared and be honest.”
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”
“If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.”
Yes there are lots of lessons in the things he said that everyone in our business can learn from. But the biggest one may be this:
One person can make a difference in the lives of many.
And that means you. The simplest thing you say in a counseling session that keeps someone from quitting. The card you send out. The phone call to check in on someone.
But more importantly, the fact that you dream, and help other people to dream as well. Let me say this:
There are not many things more important you can be doing on a Tuesday evening than being in someone’s living room, igniting a dream. What you do is important. Remember that always.
-RG
Very beautifully said. I have often been inspired by John Wooden’s views on leadership.
“One person can make a difference in the lives of many”.
WOW !! That statement says it all about the Network Marketing Profession
-DG
Hi Randy,
Thanks for sharing this with us. The things that Coach said and the life he lived is an inspiration and example for us all!
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
wow. that was heartfelt! i don’t even know who this guy is, but am gonna study him now based on this post. thanks!
I got touched by this post very much, Randy. Although what you quoted were from John Wooden, but those quotes/words that you selected to write and your writing things like about his dedication to his wife even after her death also explains how/who you’re inside, too, Randy. Right, one person can make a difference in the lives of many by simply giving just one more minute or a little love instead of being too wrapped up with one’s needs and feelings/or whatever one is going through. Thank you for sharing this post which brings a deep dimension to our thinking life for the day/or many days to come. You truly are perceptive and are SIMPLY AMAZING!
[What you do is important. Remember that always.]
OK. I’ll always keep in mind. Thank you, Randy. I pray this weekend will bring you a lot of special moments, joy, and happiness. Love and hugs:: -saachi
wow. that was heartfelt. i don’t even know who this guy is till now, but will study him based on this post. thanks!
What a great man Coach Wooden was and what wonderful legacies. I know that what we do and say can make a huge difference in one or many peoples lives. Thanks for sharing, Randy. Make it a great day! Carol
Hey Randy Gage.
It’s seem to me that the coach John Wooden was a real leader,
and he knew how to inspire toe people and motivate them. He leave for you
spritual legacy.
there is a saying that is not true in this case, that” every person can be replaced”,but every person is a special little world, and leave a unique
memory to his relatives, after he pass away.
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
It is one of the many 3-day holiday weekends here. [25 a year] and I pulled out an exercise to work….
If you had all the funds, all the people and 200 years to accomplish your goal what do you want to accomplish? Create a list of ‘projects’ page for this exercise for when you are ‘stuck’ or stumped. Think and dream as big as you can keeping it real for you. No one has to know either so think BIG.
Now work backwards by decade.
When you are within 10 years work it back by year.
When you are a year away look at it quarterly and monthly.
The last month break it down to weeks and days.
Who do you have to be today? What do you have to do?
You have 3 days to complete this task. Begin now.
If what comes up is NOT DOING the exercise write down all the reasons and issues you have with it. These are some likely mind viruses needing some dream light for disinfectant.
Aesop, a creator of fables, aphorisms and mind viruses said “be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” If you can imagine it and you have all the people and money to make it come true…. Network Marketing IS the place to make it so.
I love the part about visiting his wife and writing the letters. Amazing! He was an awesome coach, and now, reading from your post above, a great man!
Randy, thank you for showing great phrases and a great figure.
Continue this excellent work being the best and helping all of us.
Thiago
WoW! I’m blown away by reading about him. I hadn’t heard of him, but love the things I have heard. I especially love the “Do not let the things you cannot do, interfer with what you can do.” So many of us try to learn it all BEFORE we do….and then never arrive. We are knowledge rich and action poor. I’ve been trying to *wing it* for the past 3 years and have made amazing progress, however I still have a hard time NOT putting myself down for the things I CAN’t do. I’m trying and forcing myself to do them, and study so I can do them better. This old lady has learned so much in the past 3 years with this ….wish I had tried it years ago!
Thanks,
J
I especially like that last line in your tribute, Randy: “There are not many things more important you can be doing on a Tuesday evening than being in someone’s living room, igniting a dream. What you do is important.”
That’s the beautiful essence of this business — giving someone a “light” to fie up their own dream. What a noble occupation!
It is clear- if I am burning, I am able to ignite others.
But sometimes people afraid of glow, too hot! Near big flame they start to feel cold : “…of course, you are able to do everything, but I am… small, tardy, unlacky…”.
It is always “to be or not to be” – to make long lasting fare on the one doors and wait until it starts burn single-handed or to knock on an another door?
Coach Wooden recruited students first, coachable individuals second, teams players third and athletes last. Is that an example we should follow in recruiting for our business?
Ralph