This is a re-posting from a blog that no longer is with us. It’s timeless enough to repeat, though.
when I was growing up, my father liked to cut out inspirational quotes and give them to me, or tell them to me as we rode in the car. Of course, I pretended to not listen, and only grumpily acknowledged these pithy sayings when prompted. “If you are not growing, you are dying” was one of the wiser ones, and “sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes he eats you” a little less so (but still true).
As I grew older and moved away, I would find clippings of articles sent to me via mail, with hand-written notes: “Dan-boy! So true! Does this apply to you? Love, Dad”. Or something to that effect. On one hand, I would think “Man, enough already!” But I always read them, and appreciated dad’s efforts. I don’t get as many of these notes any more. But my sons do, and they seem to do their best to pretend to ignore them just as I did. But I hope they are reading them and that some of the thoughts sink in.
So, just in time for March Madness, this one was sent to the boys. Yes, there was a hand-written note:
“Dear (boys),
John Wooden was a famous basketball coach at UCLA. His teams won several national titles. ‘Think’ about his ‘3′ points
Love, Grandpa “O”
And there was John Wooden’s note, dated 4-11-89, written to someone named Tom. You can see the scan of it above, with the important points highlighted by, you guessed it, Grandpa O. I’ve typed it up for you to be able to read clearly. Sorry for no hand-written note to you, reader, but I do think the message is worth sharing.
Dear Tom,
Your words of commendation were very kind and deeply appreciated. Many thanks for taking the time to express yourself.
Yes, you are correct in your assessment that it would take more time than I have available to answer your philosophical questions in a meaningful way.
However, here is a brief comment on each:
1. There is no greater teacher than example. The leader must set a proper example if he expects the followers to reach their own level of competence.
2. No one can overachieve. There is no such thing as being able to do more than you are capable of doing. You can not reach perfection, but it IS a worthy goal for which to strive. Do not get concerned about what others do or over the things over which you have no control, but never cease to try to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
3. Forget winning as such and concentrate on your own improvement. Sometimes the other fellow is better, but you never lose when you have made the effort to do your best even when you are outscored.
Sincerely,
John Wooden
So there you go. I’m sure there will be another envelope in the mail sometime in the next few weeks with more wisdom. Frankly, I kind of look forward to them. And remember, you can’t soar with the eagles if you’re hanging with the turkeys.
