Issue 726 - "Self-Control: The Daily Practice of Making Good Choices" Valorie Kondos Field and John Wooden


Wooden's Wisdom - Volume 13	Issue 726
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"SELF-CONTROL: THE DAILY PRACTICE OF MAKING GOOD CHOICES" VALORIE KONDOS FIELD AND JOHN WOODEN John Wooden Video Clip (78 sec.): Coach Wooden is asked: "Who were your coaches and mentors in your youth (about his Dad)" "Practice self-discipline and keep emotions under control. Good judgment and common sense are essential." — Coach John Wooden’s Definition of Self-Control (Pyramid of Success) Self-control has two parts: "Practice self-discipline" and "keep emotions under control". When we keep "emotions under control" we use self-control to turn outside noise into growth. (Issue 725). When we practice self-discipline, we create the ability to make good choices. Coach Wooden said: "There is a choice you have to make in everything you do. So keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make, makes you." That idea—that life is a series of choices—was also central to the coaching philosophy of Valorie Kondos Field, the legendary UCLA gymnastics coach and one of Coach Wooden’s direct mentees. In her team talks, Miss Val taught athletes that every decision matters. Whether you act or choose to do nothing, you’re still shaping your future. Miss Val put it this way: "If there’s one single truth, I want my athletes to learn, it’s that life is about choice, which starts with our thoughts. Life is about choice, and the choices you make will dictate the life you lead." She reminded her gymnasts that every action (or inaction) carries impact: "Every choice* has numerous consequences, including the choice to do nothing. When you enter a room, you’re affecting the energy either positively or negatively."* She grounded those ideas in accountability: "Regardless of right or wrong, to own your actions means you are conscious of why you chose* them in the first place."* Miss Val reframed joy and gratitude as intentional choices—not fleeting emotions: "Joy is a muscle. You must work at it. Gratitude and joy aren’t emotions that happen to you—they’re practices you choose* to commit to daily."* Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success does not include "choice" as a labeled block—but in many ways, choice is the scaffolding that holds the Pyramid together. You must choose to practice Industriousness, choose to remain Enthusiastic, choose to act with Loyalty, Cooperation, and Self-Control. What choices do you make? Click here for personal development exercise: Issue 726. Click here for Printable Poetry: Issue 726. Yours in Coaching, Craig Impelman www.woodenswisdom.com Follow @woodenswisdom	COACH'S FAVORITE POETRY AND PROSE Peace A man must earn his hour of peace, Must pay for it with hours of strife and care, Must win by toil the evening's sweet release, The rest that may be portioned for his share; The idler never knows it, never can. Peace is the glory ever of a man. A man must win contentment for his soul, Must battle for it bravely day by day; The peace he seeks is not a near-by goal; To claim it he must tread a rugged way. The shirker never knows a tranquil breast; Peace but rewards the man who does his best. Edgar Albert Guest (1881-1959)
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