The difference between winning and succeeding | John Wooden | TED

www.ted.com With profound simplicity, Coach John Wooden redefines success and urges us all to pursue the best in ourselves. In this inspiring talk he shares the advice he gave his players at UCLA, quotes poetry and remembers his father's wisdom.
TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Watch the Top 10 TEDTalks on TED.com, at www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10

[@oofinity]

"dont whine, dont complain, dont make excuses. you get out there and whatever your doing, do to the best of your ability. And no one can do more than that." favorite line

[@leightoncristian7590]

Instablaster.

[@tomsauer3830]

Fight against your emotions, negative or positive. Your emotions aren't facts to others. Do what's best for your team.

[@pongespob]

*"dont whine, dont complain, dont make excuses. you get out there and whatever your doing, do to the best of your ability. And no one can do more than that."* Wooden did more than that - he was happy to look the other way while the rules were being flagrantly broken.

[@zahavashmuely7696]

מי

[@dlrowadkcuf]

*you're

[@Vampirebear13]

Coach Wooden died at age 99 and was as sharp as a tack to the very end, the world needs more people like him.

[@ivellbullock199]

If only thousand of coaches learn a lot from this great man in their lifetime.

[@MikeCoggan]

You know, I looked this up because Jimmy Carter is 99 and in hospice as now his wife. similar character

[@Vampirebear13]

@@MikeCoggan My friend, usually I wouldn't reply to such a comment but from such a comment, it's blatantly obvious you know nothing of the differences between these 2 men, which immense by orders of magnitude. John Wooden was a true ICON & to put it simply, was one of a kind & had more goodness in just 1 follicle than Jimmy Carter, even if Carter had lived a thousand lifetimes. Since the late 70's, I've told people, Carter was a good man but a terrible president and that doesn't even begin to delve into his complicity in the Leftist movement, which is destroying the world currently.

[@Galactic123]

To call this man gifted would be an insult. This man was a gift.

[@craighohnberger]

Totally agree!

[@arthurfonzarelli9828]

except for fact he's knowingly turned his head to all the illegal activity going on there thru the years.

[@rachenoweth6539]

Such as?

[@paulmeier2563]

RA Chenoweth Sam Gilbert showering players with gifts which violated NCAA rules. Wooden should have banned Gilbert and told the players you accept gifts you are off the team. If he wasnt allowed to do that then he should have left and gone to another school.

[@joelazalde8268]

Galactic123 McGhee

[@carlososcarcomedy]

Even at an “advanced” age this man was quick and sharp. He rattled off wisdom at light speed.

[@blakfloyd]

Seriously. The man was 90 or 91 in this video and as clear-headed and well-spoken as a typical 70 year old.

[@r0manwarrior]

He always talked quickly. Such a smart guy

[@WeCube1898]

He was elite

[@pongespob]

He obviously had memory problems - he forgot about the cheating that he condoned.

[@nicholascollora6709]

Improving situational visitation FOR all USA 🇺🇸 i am blessed thx Mr Sir Wooten. Show up take care of other's experiences thx coach with LOVE

[@RandyRiley]

Reputation is what people think about you. Character is what you really are. 6:50 never be late. Be neat and clean. Start on time and leave on time. Not one word of profanity. 8:30 Never criticize a team mate, that is a coaches job. 9:12 he shows his pyramid. The top is faith and patience. trust things will work out as they should if you do what you should. 11:53 a set of 3 from dad. 1 Don't whine 2 Don't complain 3 Don't make excuses. Do what your doing to the best of your ability.

[@chrise4994]

Randy Riley If you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re late.

[@j.i.s.l178]

🎯

[@apeopleforhisname]

Yes, this type of heart and think is what truly made America great.

[@zspartan317]

I live 3 or 4 miles away from his childhood home. I often ride my bike out there and ponder on the idea that 80 years ago he was looking at the same fields and sky as I am at that very moment. He is an example that greatness can come from anywhere and anyone. Hard work is necessary no matter how easy something comes to you.

[@boudusaved4719]

I lived in Encino and on the weekends my parents would take me to the local Winchell's Donuts and Mr. Wooden would be their each Saturday morning. I was told who he was but it didn't resonate with me until I went to UCLA for college in the early 90s. I wish I had the appreciation for him when I had seen him so I could have talked to him. What a bright wonderful human being.

[@anerkant]

Zspartan... Thanks.. your comment helped me think Better. Hardwork is necessary.

[@lastphcm]

I clapped at the end of this. Such humility from this coach and teacher. He never spoke a word about his accomplishments. He only spoke of his students and players deeds. Amazing

[@playokay]

And you know what?, he'd probably be the first to agree with you. He puts his accomplishment in the accomplishments of his students and those who hes coached. That is what makes him truly great. And speaking of the $$$$$$$, how about comparing him to todays coaches?

[@josephrio4773]

Get real. Nearly all of his players graduated from a very demanding university. Many went on to great success in numerous professions. FYI his highest salary at UCLA was $36,000, not very much even if adjusted for inflation. His accomplishments were critically important to those around him.

[@gambloduck6633]

@Tim Duffey - that's a broad statement. In what way were they shallow? This man was a teacher first. He stuck to principles. A lot of great people came out of his program. He didn't lose sight of the fact that you had to help these young adolescent minds transcend to maturity of men. It was bigger than sport. Not what today's "businessman coaches" do

[@peterbstrong]

You are a contrarian SOB to make that disgraceful statement Duffey. The kind of person who only feels good knocking the other person down.

[@MrOrangefuse]

He did speak proudly of his pyramid, but didnt spend much time on it

[@Philippe1613]

Wow! Wooden was the most lucid and wise 91 year old!

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

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

[@HexagonSyndicate]

“If you make the effort to do the best of which you’re capable; trying to improve the situation that exists for you...that’s success...”. - John Wooden

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

To speak this swiftly on interesting subjects is admirable in a 30 year old. To do it at his age is remarkable.

[@paulellis6793]

I love (and hopefully live) it... "Your reputation is what you're perceived to be, your character is what you really are." ~John Wooden

[@oldude979]

Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. -Abraham Lincoln

[@karenmorgan9601]

@Hello

[@mcress449]

I was blessed to spend some time with Coach. My recruiting trip to UCLA was during BB season. The Sports Information Dept., and whoever else thought I should sit next to Coach in Pauley for a nationally televised game. He had an aura, a peace, a serenity about him. Instant comfort. He walked the walk, you could feel it in your soul. A true blessing to spend some time with Coach Wooden. He’s the real deal and an unbending, unquestionable man who walked the walk. I had others who were so special they radiated, but only so many who’s greatness radiated and made you better just with their presence. Jack Nicklaus and Larry Nelson were two others for me. You find others who’s presence makes you better- don’t let go. They’re gifts. Take advantage of those opportunities, whether their teachers, athletes, coaches, industry leaders or the best damn garbageman n town- it takes a team. Surround yourself with those who make you strive to be a better person. FWIW. ❤

[@farahali5754]

Old people are our treasure which lighten our path

[@darinfry1543]

I loved this man. So soft spoken and wise.

[@karenmorgan9601]

Hello

[@eddiesimms9301]

John Wooden.....A Pillar of CHARACTER. What A MAN!!........

[@mattx1875]

A Man's Man. Respect.

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."

[@mkitahara]

Don’t be late Don’t use profanity Never criticize a teammate

[@officialtmpwavesmedia5955]

Could work for marriage also

[@benjaminkuti2009]

I just finished reading one of his books "Wooden on Leadership" what a brilliant masterpiece, he is truly invaluable, I wanted to be in his presence reading his philosophy & wisdom. Very intelligent man! May God rest his soul, R.I.P

[@eliseotrevino2224]

À

[@eliseotrevino2224]

X

[@eliseotrevino2224]

Cc xdr

[@cleokey]

I was a student at UCLA during the 60's when Mr Wooden was there, outstanding individual who really made a difference in people's lives.

[@garypresley9454]

An example of what we need to strive for the epitome of what people who want to be their best or help student athletes to become the best version of themselves God Blessed his life for a reason

[@karenmorgan9601]

@Hello handsome

[@phraedusthamusicdigr]

Coach Wooden what a gift to the world I could here him talk and teach all day...truly the best of what humanity can offer.

[@Thefunksoulbro]

What a beautiful man, and spirit. If you are watching, trust me you are in the right place. Stay blessed 💞

[@alexanderthegreat3]

Discipline yourself, and others won't need to - John Wooden

[@JamesAllenJr]

Discipline yourself and God won't have to. I Am.

[@omegapointil5741]

Won't need to what, have a rich daddy? Cooperation not competition is the sign of an advanced civiization

[@paulgrimmer8877]

@@omegapointil5741 How do you explain that the U.S. is the most advanced country on the planet and it is totally based on capitalism which by its nature is highly competitive?

[@gwillis9797]

@@JamesAllenJr Sweet, I will use this.

[@gwillis9797]

@@paulgrimmer8877 Competitive within its self and holding hands with it's competition. Success in this country teaches the losers to be successful next time. The next time will come and the one that lost because better and the better one will become better. All this for winning for American people.

[@mikesorensen1981]

I wish I had a teacher and coach like John Wooden. He was a great teacher of character, morals, discipline with old school values you don’t see much anymore 👍

[@canadianeh7574]

Coach Wooden; what a class act; very wise; very humble.

[@sabrinawanderer7560]

Teachers and coaches like this brings out the best in everyone....never disrespect the elderly people..

[@iBRiDGE380]

Why elders matter when they really paid attention to humanity and how we learn. Thank you sir.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

As an Oregon Duck, I hated UCLA basketball, but I know a man of honor when I see one. Coach Wooden was one of a kind, a man of great integrity and determination. Ask Kareem or Walton (and anybody else he coached and mentored) about Coach Wooden and they will sing his praises for hours on end. The results of his philosophy are apparent in both college basketball and life.

[@Ghrainne]

you hated UCLA Basketball!. Why would anyone care?

[@Zorazora1234]

Hate is a strong word....

[@ConservativeAnthem]

Go DUCKS!!!!

[@TXBill132]

A 64 year old Oregon State Beaver highly agrees with you! :-)

[@ErnestAPerezL]

He was the Bruin coach when I was there and Walton and I shared a class where he once tried to copy from me. My wife and I had season tickets for UCLA Basketball and football and we didn't miss a game. I had the pleasure of watching his last championship where he didn't have the best team yet won. And I was at Pualley for his send off, a sad but great night. This was a great man in every stage of a man's life. The Wizzard of Westwood was one of a kind and I was there to share in his magic.

[@001USA001]

Ernest A. Pérez L. I don’t often experience envy, but when I do....

[@HeyBoiay]

Brilliant man. We miss figures like this in today's society.

[@SteveCanoy]

Always a gentleman and encourager. I must strive for that more often. Thanks for the reminder, Coach Wooden.

[@clareomarfran]

What a sweet man. Not a bad coach, either-10 national champions in 12 years, seven in a row, with small teams and with his giants. We will not see his like again.

[@SOSTycoon109]

Brother Wooden is an inspiration!

[@kenm6652]

Only the greats could be so humble. I wanted him to talk more.

[@harrygaskin7995]

What a graceful, dignified, and wise man. Gotta love Mr. Wooden!

[@juntao754]

"If you get to engrossed and involved and concerned in regard to things over which you have no control, it will adversely affect the things over which you have control".I volunteer time at a charity organization that focuses on the needs of empoverished kids and it absolutely makes me do that.What a great realingment of thought! Thanks!

[@noshortcuttoglory6443]

Keep it up Sir.

[@marias7599]

Going crazy over things one cannot control; makes things one could control go crazy. The biggest damage one can do to oneself

[@rtiller63]

John Wooden is so unique. What a great role model, and deliverer of such powerful wisdom. A Martinsville, Indiana native.

[@TheWholeSystemisFckd]

It's amazing how such an incredibly accomplished man that's in his 90's can recite values he lived by to earn those accomplishments that were all given to him by his father. I'm sure his dad was a great man, and it goes to show just how powerful of an impact you have as a father/mother and how much you shape who the adult your child ends up becoming. I'm now 25 and see many people my age with young children and I wish they would realize this

[@ICTClass24]

TheWholeSystemisFckd Hello I like this video, especially your ideas concerning success training . Another resource I also found useful for health wealth success was Skyarza Success Secrets Star - it should be on google if you need it

[@yunfengli10]

Ted scan

[@aleksandarjoe4290]

There are many factors in achieving success. These include: Taking control of your health. Learning about the power of your mind. Following the path of people who have already done what you plan to do. One place I discovered which combines these is the Magic Progress Shortcut (google it if you're interested) without a doubt the best course on success that I have ever seen. look at this unbelievable site.

[@deerhunter7482]

Start by changing your username and see how positive with prayer your life can become.

[@jessstuart7495]

One of the benefits of farming is that you get to spend a lot of time working and talking with your kids, and showing them how the world works. It's good parenting, and it creates better people. Our modern society has forgotten this for the most part.

[@nutritionalblockbusters7690]

I just love and respect this guy. He's truly an inspiration and annointed to coach and lead others into winning. I literally cried from just listening to him talk. God bless him.

[@danielleminceywhite3431]

One of my FAVORITE Coaches of ANY sport!

[@Madmun357]

Same here. Class act all the way. A great man. Nobody will ever match what he did at UCLA.

[@AEMoreira81]

The best example today would probably be someone like Mike Krzyzewski (at Duke since 1980) or the late Pat Summitt (at Tennnessee from 1975-2012 before being forced out by Alzheimer's which eventually took her life).

[@gambloduck6633]

@@AEMoreira81 - I'm sorry, but Krzyzewski is just a great recruiter and lobbies the officials tirelessly. Duke's never been on the wrong side of a big call in a game deciding moment. If you look at the people that cam out of Krzyzewski's program, a lot of these guys have maturity issues. Okafor comes to mind first, but Magette is another one. A lot of his players are involved in plays of poor sportsmanship and flat out pugnacious. Gerald Henderson is a perfect example. Even Laettner stepped on that guys chest in a game. Coach K just wins because he get's the no-calls and calls

[@ashleykappelmann]

Coach Wooden was the epitome of a leader in any profession, but especially education. His comments in this video demonstrate how he "nurtures and sustains a culture of collaboration, trust, learning, and high expectations" (ISLLC #2).

[@readthefutur]

I am amazed to see John Wooden had a Ted Talk; I had no idea he spoke for the organization. There are no words to describe how much I look up to my great grandfather, and I wish I was old enough to understand his philosophies from childhood. As I age, I imagine his inspirational beliefs will become more vivid to me. I miss him, and always will; wishing today I could have had an adult (man to man) conversation about life.

[@001USA001]

Cole Robbins thank you. My grandfathers passed when I was young. I hear you.

[@mustolourien5823]

Being this old and being healthy and eloquent than a thirty year old is pure blessings.

[@placebojesus5652]

He said delusioned instead of disillusioned in a story about him being an English teacher lol.

[@utwomack]

Coach Wooden was a good man and great man. He was also a great American. He is good for our children and for all of us.

[@peterchristian5886]

Coach Wooden was a remarkable and humble man. He succeeded like no one else, not just in basketball but also in life. He never lost his composure no matter how difficult the game situation. His players loved and respected him. His lessons are true today and we should follow them.

[@karenmorgan9601]

@Hello handsome

[@HHIto]

Met him, by chance...UCLA, he nodded, he knew I was awed , he smiled Oh so slightly, reminded me so much of my father. He’s a good reason I went to UCLA, ... others... Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe, Rafer Johnson, Willard Libby, Dr. Birdsell, Albert Hoxie, many, many others... but HE was such a great teacher... I keep his writings next to my Bible....read every night before turning off the light.

[@FirebrandAL]

This guy is the most freakishly intelligent human in sports ever. I'd be terrified and excited to be coached by him all at the same time.

[@001USA001]

Hunter Golden to think what would be differs from what would have been- the impact far greater than the experience.

[@calypsojimmy]

You know he was a superior basketball player ... Three-time consensus All-American in college, the first one ever.

[@msmeyersmd8]

calypsojimmy I didn’t know that. Thank you for enlightening me. Another amazing accomplishment by an extraordinary man.

[@EW1KENPO]

His great faith is what made him a great man.

[@CocoachingCo1]

Love John Wooden and all he stood for.

[@Mattnova_116]

"Things turn out for the best for the people who make the best of the way things turns out." My favorite John Wooden quote.

[@bcdon78]

“Failure to prepare is preparation for failure”. My favorite Wooden-ism.

[@Ot-ej5gi]

It's great to see such amazing faith in God in a man of such intelligence. If that combination happened more often, our lives would be so much better...

[@davidsparling3505]

Amen, brother!

[@TLCMEDIA1]

I probably watched this about 100 times by now, it’s 2019 and the year is almost over. I’m sure I’m still gonna watch it, I love the humility and discipline he portrays. Every time I had an interview or test, I would watch this to gain motivation and confidence, to always do my best and not compare my self to others but yet learn from others. “The road ahead or the road behind”

[@galehess6676]

thanks for the inspiration to cue it up and push play and not just read the comments

[@redmustangredmustang]

I am so glad that we had him for 99 years.

[@PaulJackson729]

Wooden is arguably the greatest basketball coach and one of the greatest coaches ever in any sport. Period!

[@brianshultes3008]

Our teachers and coaches today need to hear this. Always loved this genuine and sincere man

[@TLCMEDIA1]

I have watched this video more times than I could keep count, the amount of inspiration I get from watching this video alone I can never quantify. What an inspiration you have been John. Your legacy lives on. “They ask me why I teach and I say, where could I find such splendid company”

[@shawarmageddonit]

To date, still the most casual way to end a TED Talk.

[@manvendrasrivastava1548]

Man this wisdom is the wisdom of lifetime, an entire life compiled in 10 minute... Bow down to this man.... Amazing

[@siddharthm5824]

I remember my grandfather who passed away when I was a kid...the " old school" wisdom is all about truth, honesty, integrity, hard work, etc etc....and now, we have so much and yet we aren't even close to sounding remotely wise...

[@001USA001]

Siddharth M check the pyramid out

[@miketerry581]

Whoever said it's not what you know but how you respond to what you know, a coach who taught Value and prepared, his players for life, Today what's new is everything should be equal but reality is do the best with what you have been given,

[@AuntieCheri]

Coach: Wow! What a wonderful speech. Thank you.

[@gerhardmoeller774]

John Wooden was / is the epitome of a coach.....and the epitome of a MAN! GOD BLESS!

[@mmmmkay7035]

If I ever need to be inspired or if I need some motivation I’ll come back to this video.

[@juanangel9541]

I strongly recommend to make a quick research about the speakers in the TED talks before watching the videos. I was surprised when my calculus professor mentioned coach John Wooden and nobody seemed to knew who he was. I have a great respect for Coach John Wooden, he has been the very best college basketball coach in history and deserves a lot of credit for that.

[@Juxtapose76]

Exellent. Thanks for your words of wisdom may God bless you always

[@dr.fredrickwilliams7707]

Absolutely

[@anhhai9382]

,

[@UTEXTRACK]

Integrity of character, passion, compassion and humility. Where are these men now?

[@fi01012015]

When this podcast began,all it took was the sound of this legendary coach's voice to make me stand still!! They don't make them like his one anymore.....we've tried,but rarely successful....

[@benhoganboy]

What a brilliant powerful speech! A legend!

[@shamusmcshane5267]

He taught character through the game of basketball

[@gavinsaint2224]

Indeed

[@15DurangoRT]

A man of wisdom and character. I could listen to this man for hours on end!

[@DonYutuc]

This man was a great influence on Kareem Abdul Jabbar in addition to Bill Walton. Thank you, John Wooden.

[@andy4an]

such a poetic delivery of an important message

[@owasso8775]

He walked the walk to back his talk. If I don't understand him, maybe I should up MY skills.

[@peterbstrong]

This man is one of the few I believe to have the keys to the "Ft. Knox" of plain-spoken American wisdom. The effect he had on his students and players was so profound that I've seen interviews with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Keith Wilkes and Bill Walton where they literally can repeat all of his lessons verbatim. We're finally getting closer to "Lead by putting others First" "Earned not Entitled" and the most important one: CHARACTER MATTERS. RIP Coach....

[@LS-bl9fb]

His dad sounds amazing, what a beautiful legacy he left. 🙏🎁

[@farahali5754]

Treasure of knowledge and experience I love to hear him

[@Apol-los]

"There is no progress without change."

[@stoddard1953]

John Wooden was the man. Not only was he a winning coach but he was a likeable coach. A good coach. Not all coaches are liked. Not all coaches are good. Not all coaches are winners. Yet, in this big vast world we live in, John Wooden was all of them.

[@johnatspray]

He was 91 when this was recorded. Damn sharp for a man of any age.

[@DamonDukes1987]

something about this man's wisdom, I should use his philosophic approach when I become a football coach

[@michaelbarsiattorneyatlawa3190]

Great man with deep wisdom.

[@thomasbrady5063]

Love you coach. I listened to your audio program on your Pyramid of Success years ago - my foundation.

[@jaitaal]

I have come back to this so many times in my life. This man was simply a treasure. John Wooden, aged 90-something, dropping wisdom with sharpness, eloquence and wit that folks half his age couldn't muster.

[@charlestumazos3439]

such a sharp mind

[@ksfutbolplayer]

So much wisdom!!

[@lisad352]

What a sound mind. Very intelligent man. So glad he stayed in California and inspired many around the world. Thank you!

[@davidrayduncan2463]

This ought to be required viewing for every coach in the country. When popular tee-shirts say things like, "2nd place is 1st loser," it's a breath of fresh air to hear John Wooden's definition of success. Winning is not the "only thing;" my apologies to Vince Lombardi.

[@DavidTurner1]

I grew up watching this man coach in Pauley Pavilion as a kid, thanks to my dad who would bring me to the UCLA basketball games. From Lew Alcindor to Bill Walton it was amazing to witness sports history in-person. I always knew that there was some magic in the Wizard of Westwood. Go Bruins!

[@001USA001]

DavidTurner1 fortunate son

[@DrJeffDrJeff]

I was there too. You and I had the privilege of seeing the greatest coach with the greatest players in some of the greatest games that will ever be played. By chance were you there when the UCLA Freshmen team with Lew Alcindor beat the UCLA Varsity team in the pre season opener?

[@karenmorgan9601]

@Hello

[@SatyaKomatineni]

'They ask me why I teach! "Where could I find such splendid company" #startup

[@DrLorenThomas]

Incredible leader and example! I am so glad this talk was preserved.

[@jasondeland3351]

Quite possibly one of the the greatest teachers of all time

[@adanmiranda1095]

Greatest man ever. He was built with intelligence and wisdom flowed through his veins. He will always be remembered and loved from his fans and former players.

[@001USA001]

Adan Miranda how about his father?

[@frankagyekum5413]

Wisdom, knowledge and understanding personified.

[@jeffalanvasconcellos3039]

The legend John Wooden.

[@solartime8983]

Absolute Phenomenal WISDOM

[@danahill9008]

It seems after all there IS something to be gained by memorizing things. As a former teacher, I can tell you memorization is something frowned on by today's education "experts." I think Coach Wooden has fairly well demonstrated that remembering life lessons from one's father and great passages from good writers is something worthy of our time and effort. It seems to have stood him in pretty good stead, I would say.

[@adeelali8417]

As a current teacher, I agree wholeheartedly. Memorisation of wisdom imprints a deeper impression upon the soul.

[@douglasdorman9322]

fortunate enough to spend 2-3 weeks a year with this man, for 4 or 5 years...Enough said...when in his presence, a humble caring soul....very well times with him, I listened, and listened. ..why speak...as a coach, his principles an absolute constant reminder of real successs....I am very fortunate to have spent time with a great man as this. Missed dearly.

[@karenmorgan9601]

@Hello

[@dadornet]

The best ever by defying EVERY SINGLE coaching and teaching strategy. Instead, respect, values, and discipline through an example that never waivers. The best leader of young men who ever lived makes it embarrassingly simple, yet impossible to replicate, bc no coach or man before or since has been anything close to genuine. He is the greatest ever.

[@christinestangeland7771]

As a woman who learned from the COACH by his example to be a coach, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to meet him and learn what he taught by example. He was a gift to all , wish we had more like him today.