John Wooden Quotes

The expectations and pressure doesn't mean you change. That's something that's always been instilled in me, and doesn't matter what the situation or what the game means, I'm always going to approach the game the same way.

I didn't get down on myself even when a lot of people did.

Successful people are able to rise above crises by relaxing no matter what the external situation. Their belief in themselves, the strength of their self-image is impenetrable armor, which protects them against shattering events.

The single observation I would offer for your consideration is that some things are beyond your control. You can lose your health to illness or accident. You can lose your wealth to all manner of unpredictable sources. What are not easily stolen from you without your cooperation are your principles and your values. They are your most important possessions and, if carefully selected and nurtured, will well serve you and your fellow man.

Stay true to what you believe in and don't let people try to change that direction. Don't take no for an answer.

Know and believe in yourself and what others think won't disturb you.

Without faith in his own judgment no man can go very far in this game. That is about all I have learned - to study general conditions, to take a position and stick to it. I can wait without a twinge of impatience. I can see a setback without being shaken, knowing that it is only temporary.

Despite his persecutions, Mr. [Upton] Sinclair reveals himself in Money Writes! to be an enviable man. Always the thing he desires to believe is the thing he feels he knows to be true.

You have to rise above the squabbling and chaos, and keep believing. You have to always keep your goals in mind.” -Hera, goddess of marriage

But to do this kind of work, you have to be very strong, otherwise you lose your personality, your identity.

I won't back down. I get a satisfaction from being tested and defeating the test.

You have to know that as long as you love who you are - your morals, your values, that type of stuff - you're OK.

The pressure of adversity does not affect the mind of the brave man... It is more powerful than external circumstances.

I might have to stumble a little bit more in public than others, but that's fine, I don't mind, I've developed a thick skin.

The pine stays green in winter... wisdom in hardship.

I just feel like it would be so against my personality to have this struggle in tennis and just give up. I know it's not me, not who I am, and that would probably affect other parts of my life.

You learn who you really are in a fight - what you're really made of. You have to face yourself and rise above your own fears and failings.

You've got to hang on to who you are, what you are. Don't let anyone take it from you.

If I know what's true in my heart and my soul, then what people say can't shape that.

Being born and raised in Chicago made me tough. It made me strong. I feel like I can deal with anything. I truly believe that in my heart.

It doesn't matter what people say about me, I weather the storm.

Fear has been a big battle, it runs rampant in my sport so I love to overcome that, to challenge it head on, because there is nothing that feels as accomplished as overcoming a fear, and something that has blocked you in such a big way.

If every choice you make comes from an honest place, you're solid, and nothing anybody can say about you can rock you or change your opinion.

I can muster up the courage in the difficult situations to get me through.

You don't have to be a scared person. I've had so many tragedies. I've managed to withstand things that you may think you cannot tolerate. But I have the strength.