John Wooden was an American basketball coach whose career spanned many years and numerous championships. He summed up his teams’ successes very simply when he said “ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”
These days, people tend to focus on “making it”. On achieving a level of success that, for them, puts them at the top – of their game, their industry, or their reputation.
Yet, what successful people understand is that having integrity goes further than having sales-closing skills. Building sincere relationships is better than building a trophy cabinet. Establishing trust is respected more than building financial credit.
Action – Stop focusing on who you’ll be when you win gold or achieve stardom.
Instead, make decisions about who’ll you’ll be – right now – regardless of where you are on your path.
Absolutely right! I heard in a movie or read in a book, to paraphrase, “if you are nobody without (money, success, position) you’ll still be nobody with (money, success, position)”.
Also, if my identity was strictly tied to job success, the setbacks I have faced on my path would have been devastating, instead of opportunities for growth. Thanks for this today.
Integrity and morals are more important to me than skills, everyone can learn and be trained but not everyone has integrity and morals. These are not just skills but a way of life. I want to surround myself with people I can trust and be supportive to because they already possess the perfect foundation for a long term working relationship. I agree with Julienne that setbacks lead to growth and make us strong but it is wonderful that in a time of setback to have amazing support around us. This is what helps you stay on top or claw your way back up if you get knocked down a time or two.