Inspirational Quotes By John Wooden

John Wooden
Born October 14, 1910
American Basketball Coach

John Robert Wooden (born October 14, 1910) is a retired American basketball coach. He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player (class of 1961) and as a coach (class of 1973). He was the first person ever enshrined in both categories; only Lenny Wilkens and Bill Sharman have since been so honored. His 10 NCAA National Championships in 12 years while at UCLA are unmatched by any other college basketball coach.




A collection of famous quotes by John Wooden that are inspirational. Enjoy the quotes and wisdom of Mr. Wooden.

It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.
~John Wooden

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
~John Wooden

Adversity is the state in which man mostly easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.
~John Wooden

If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.
~John Wooden

You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.
~John Wooden

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
~John Wooden

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
~John Wooden

Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
~John Wooden

I'd rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent.
~John Wooden

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.
~John Wooden

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.
~John Wooden

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.
~John Wooden

Ability is a poor man's wealth.
~John Wooden

Be prepared and be honest.
~John Wooden

It isn't what you do, but how you do it.
~John Wooden

Never mistake activity for achievement.
~John Wooden

It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
~John Wooden

Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.
~John Wooden

The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
~John Wooden

Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character.
~John Wooden

If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
~John Wooden

Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.
~John Wooden

It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.
~John Wooden

Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
~John Wooden

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
~John Wooden