The Bookshelf December 2025
The Pyramid of Success
If you don’t know Wooden, you’re missing out. The legendary UCLA basketball coach had a simple and extremely effective coaching style, and this book is the culmination of his coaching philosophy. Although somewhat rigidly structured, the pyramid is a great way of looking at your overall preparation for sport.
John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success is a framework, developed over a long career that outlines the character traits and behaviors necessary to achieve his definition of success: “peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
The Pyramid is built from the ground up, starting with a base of Industriousness (hard work and planning) and Enthusiasm (passion and enjoyment), supported by values like Friendship, Loyalty, and Cooperation. As the structure rises through levels emphasizing self-discipline (Self-Control, Alertness, Initiative), it culminates in the apex of Competitive Greatness, flanked by Poise and Confidence. The entire philosophy shifts focus from external outcomes—like winning or fame—to internal effort, preparation, and self-mastery, making it a blueprint for behavior in any sport, not just basketball.
This book stands alongside many others that our coaches have resonated with, like The Inner Game of Tennis, Win The Inside Game, and Changemaker. By reflection on a basic, or even simplistic framework, even complex problems can be pulled back into focus. It’s never a clean prescription, but stepping back and looking at your lack of progress from a different angle almost always helps.