Brandon and I were watching some random sports channel (as we usually do) during lunch yesterday. The Wooden Classic was on and 99-year old legend John Wooden was speaking. I was initially impressed and then drawn in by his eloquence and poise.

Wooden’s Pyramid of Success describes one of the huge reasons I like to watch sports. Competitive sports bring out the best-of-the-best. Individuals are rewarded for sacrificing personal goals for those of the team. There is no ceiling for hard work. It is the most literal example (other than farming – hello, Saskatchewan!) that I can think of where you physically reap what you physically sow. Work harder and you will be better.

The Pyramid is a concrete embodiment of the often intangible ability of superhuman athletes. Athletes at any level succeed on a rather vague recipe of work ethic, confidence, inherent talent and skill. But what makes one player better than another? Where do The Great Ones like Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan come from?

Industriousness and enthusiasm are the cornerstones to success. You’ll notice skill and confidence aren’t initial building blocks. They come only after you have developed friendship, loyalty, initiative, alertness and self-control.

These lessons apply to medicine too. Start by working hard at what you do and loving every minute of it. Make friends. Pay attention. Study when you might rather do something else.

With a lot of faith and patience, you will succeed.

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*image from The Official Site of Coach John Wooden.

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