John Wooden’s Strategy to Find Happiness

Today I'll like to share with you one phenomenal individual that I have come to know. He is John Wooden.

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). His achievements include 10 NCAA National Championships in 12 years while at UCLA are unmatched by any other college basketball coach.

He has a strategy in finding happiness and I'd like to share with you here.

John Wooden states that one should make and keep nine promises to find happiness. They are:

1. Promise yourself that you will talk health, happiness, and prosperity as often as possible.

2. Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.

3. Promise to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best in yourself and others.

4. Promise to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

5. Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

6. Promise to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements in the future.

7. Promise to wear a cheerful appearance at all times and give every person you meet a smile.

8. Promise to give so much time improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

9. Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit trouble to press on you.

Now, how's that for happiness?

Your friend,
Melvyn
(Sent from my Blackberry Bold)