The goal was immaculate performance. Wooden often said the only person you’re ever competing against is yourself. The rest is out of your control.

• Instead of beating the competition, you focus on your own growth—because the competition doesn’t define your success.


• Instead of proving yourself, you deepen your craft.


• Instead of racing toward an endpoint, you embrace the process—because there is no endpoint, only evolution.


• Instead of chasing short-term wins, every action becomes a long-term