“When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. When you improve conditioning a little each day, eventually you have a big improvement in conditioning. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement. Seek the small improvement one day at a time. That’s the only way it happens—and when it happens it lasts.”
- John Wooden
This quote is coming from arguably the best college basketball coach of all time. He won the National Championship 10 out of 12 years at UCLA! What a philosophy to live by.
I don’t know about you, but the “get rich quick” or “buy now, pay later” messages of the day are sure seductive. They certainly offer an easier road to travel. (That LypoDissolve pill that makes all of your fat magically disappear with no change in diet or without ever working out is tempting, but come on, really?) No hard work, self discipline, or persistence required.
After years of reflecting on these two varying philosophies I am reminded of a statement from a business course I took:
All interpretations are valid; however, they are not equally powerful.
As I reflect on all of the people I most admire, none of them were a one hit wonder. They were people who persevered. They kept after it, never giving up. It is through the very un-sexy work of discipline and persistence where the most valuable attributes are developed. It is these very attributes that build a foundation for future success. This cycle, if repeated over the years produces lasting success.
Don’t shirk the hard work if you really want to be a lifetime winner!
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