John Wooden Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old John Wooden quotes, John Wooden sayings, and John Wooden proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

Losing is only temporary and not all encompassing. You must simply study it, learn from it, and try hard not to lose the same way again. Then you must have the self-control to forget about it. John Wooden
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there. 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
When you hurry, you're more apt to make mistakes. But you have to be quick. If you're not quick you can't get things done. John Wooden
Don't whine, complain, or make excuses. John Wooden
Mix idealism with realism and add hard work. This will often bring much more than you could ever hope for. John Wooden
Good values are like a magnet – they attract good people. John Wooden
Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who'll argue with you. John Wooden
Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. John Wooden
There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile results come from hard work and careful planning. John Wooden
Make your "yes" mean yes, and your "no" mean no. John Wooden
Fairness is giving all people the treatment they earn and deserve. It doesn't mean treating everyone alike. John Wooden
It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen. John Wooden
Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who'll argue with you. John Wooden
Champions are brilliant at the basics. John Wooden
You will never outperform your inner circle. John Wooden
If you do enough small things right, big things can happen. John Wooden
If pursuing material things becomes your only goal, you will fail in so many ways. Besides, in time all material things go away. John Wooden
Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters. John Wooden
Stay the course. When thwarted try again; harder; smarter. Persevere relentlessly. John Wooden
There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience. John Wooden
Flexibility is the key to stability. John Wooden
My philosophy of defense is to keep the pressure on an opponent until you get to his emotions. John Wooden
Defense is a definite part of the game, and a great part of defense is learning to play it without fouling. John Wooden
Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable. John Wooden
It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit. John Wooden
Be quick, but don't hurry. John Wooden
Adaptability is being able to adjust to any situation at any given time. John Wooden
Teamwork is not a preference, it is a requirement. John Wooden