2014 by Pat Williams
Published by Revell
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www . revellbooks .com
Ebook edition created 2014
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4412-1260-3
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Coach John Woodens success speaks for itself. In his book Coach Woodens Greatest Secret , Pat Williams captures the essence of Coach Woodens core value. Read this book and apply the lessons to achieve excellence in your life.
Mike McCarthy , head football coach, Green Bay Packers
Coach Wooden s Greatest Secret has kept me engaged from start to finish. I cant believe there is so much wisdom packed between two covers.
Charlie Strong , head football coach, University of Louisville
I am always looking for books on leadership. When I find one, it is like gold, not only for my own personal growth but for the growth of the entire organization. Pat Williamss new book on Coach Wooden will have a major impact on every reader.
James Franklin , head football coach, Vanderbilt University
In Coach Wooden s Greatest Secret , Pat Williams has produced a book that is a must-read for anyone who aspires to achieve excellence in any profession. The principles set forth in this book work. I can attest to that, having seen coaches Tony Dungy and Marv Levy apply them during numerous championship seasons in the NFL. In this book, Pat and Coach Wooden provide you with a blueprint for success.
Bill Polian , NFL analyst for ESPN; former NFL executive
For years we have preached that to be successful, there is nothing insignificant. There are no small things, but all things are important. Pat Williamss chronicling of Coach Woodens philosophy and lifes work vividly sets forth guidelines for a successful life.
Ned Colletti , general manager, Los Angeles Dodgers
Coach John Wooden was a man of great simplicity in every area of his life. Now, Pat Williams has captured Coachs greatest secret in this powerful little book. Dont hesitate; start reading.
Dom Capers , defensive coordinator, Green Bay Packers; former head coach, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans
Pat Williamss latest book is a truly great read. Coach Wooden s Greatest Secret is filled with motivation, inspiration, and life lessons for all of us. Ill be using segments of the book with our team to further the development of the Michigan football program.
Brady Hoke , head football coach, University of Michigan
I have this book all marked up with great ideas that I can use for helping my guys. I have read almost everything that has been written about Coach Wooden, but this one really hit me right between the eyes with the message that I have been trying to preach to my players: Pay attention to the details in the little things, and the big things will be there.
Mike Matheny , manager, St. Louis Cardinals
It has been a great pleasure to read Pats latest book, Coach Wooden s Greatest Secret . As a coach on any level, you will learn, gain, and reinforce pearls of wisdom that may prove to be a catalyst to empower your team or individuals. It is a very easy read and a book that you will not want to put down. There are passages I have highlighted to go back and reread on multiple occasions and to share with our coaching staff and team.
Marvin Lewis , head football coach, Cincinnati Bengals
To
our two latest grandchildren, twin boys, Benjamin and Deacon
May the life principles of Coach Woodens greatest secret become a part of their lives at an early age.
Its the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.
Coach John Wooden
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Little Things Make Big Things Happen
1. Little Things Are Fundamental to Achievement
2. Little Things Lead to Simplicityand Success
3. Little Things Prepare You for Great Things
4. Little Things Are the Key to Achieving Your Goals
5. Little Things Produce Consistency
6. Little Things Lead to Excellence
7. Little Things Guard Your Character
8. Little Things Yield a Habit of Success
Epilogue: Life Is All about the Little Things
Appendix 1: Additional Resources
Appendix 2: Little Things Build a Big Legacy
Notes
Contact the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
Foreword
I HAD THE GREAT THRILL AND HONOR OF BEING a part of two NBA championship teams, in 1999 and 2003. Yet I think the honor I received in 2004, after I retired, may have been even greater: The Keys to Life Award, personally presented to me by one of my all-time heroes, Coach John Wooden. The award is given to those who aspire to follow Coach Woodens Seven Keys to Life:
- Be true to yourself.
- Help others.
- Make each day your masterpiece.
- Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
- Make friendship a fine art.
- Build a shelter against a rainy day.
- Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.
Coach John Wooden has always been one of my role models. From observing his life and his coaching style, I learned that it is possible to be intensely competitive, to be a winner and a champion, and still be a person of integrity, humility, character, and faith. No coach ever won more championships than Coach Wooden, and no one was ever more giving and caring and unassuming than Coach Wooden.
In his entire coaching career, Coach John Wooden only had one losing seasonhis very first season coaching at the high school level. After that, he was all about winning. At UCLA he won 620 games in 27 seasons, had a record winning streak of 88 consecutive wins, had 4 perfect 300 seasons, won 98 consecutive home games at UCLAs Pauley Pavilion, and won 10 NCAA titles in 12 seasons.
Coach Wooden won when he had superstars on his team. But he also won when there were no superstars, when most of his starters had graduated and would not be returning. All of those wins and championships were not merely the result of a superstar roster. There was something special about Coach Wooden himself, about the way he coached, about the principles he taught, about the values he instilled in his players.
He had a secret formula for success. Well, it wasnt really much of a secret. If you asked him, he would readily tell you. The key to his success, he said, was a lot of little things done well. If you would focus on the little things that escaped the notice of your opponents and competitors, you would have a slight edge over themand that would be your winning edge.
In this book, Pat Williams, the cofounder and senior vice president of the Orlando Magic, has unpacked and explored Coach John Woodens greatest success secret so that we can all follow the example of the greatest coach of all time. In these pages, Pat examines every facet of Coach Woodens formula for success. Youll discover how focusing on the little things will prepare you for great things. These principles will help to safeguard your character and produce habits of consistency and excellence in your life.
Next page