BLOG: Apply Coach Wooden’s wisdom to clinical practice, everyday life

ByJohn D. Kelly IV, MD

The National Basketball Association championships are upon us. Although I am not a huge fan, I have great reverence for great coaching minds and mentors. Whenever I hear the words “basketball” and “coach” mentioned simultaneously, I can only think of one man – John Wooden, who is arguably the best basketball coach of all time.

Nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood,” as the coach of UCLA, Wooden won 10 NCAA national championships in a 12-year period, including an unprecedented seven in a row. He was venerated not only for his coaching acumen, but also for the wisdom he imparted to his players, including his “pyramid of success,” that is 15 attributes necessary for greatness. Wooden believed in mastery of self and merely doing one’s best as a means to inner peace. He knew that accomplishment and winning was a byproduct of self-mastery.

A man deeply committed to his faith and principles, in 1947, he declined a post-season basketball tournament invitation because of an existing ban on African-American players. His inspirational messages were directed at how to be a success in life as well as in basketball. He was dedicated to preaching excellence and advocated that one should do his or her best in every endeavor. Despite attaining 10 NCAA championships, Wooden never mentioned the word “winning” to his players. The ‘Ws’ were just the result of a truly successful life.

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming,” Wooden said. His enduring principles have helped me in my still-evolving surgical practice. Some of his maxims I find especially useful include the following:

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail

Never has this maxim from Benjamin Franklin meant more to me than now, after 25 years into my vocation. Wooden was passionate about preparation, from putting on socks to reading the playbook. He recognized success was a result of rehearsing in one’s mind a game’s important events before they occurred. Preparing for surgery essentially ensures a great outcome. Visualizing the steps the evening before allows the case to flow lyrically because it was rehearsed. Wooden recognized that the little things are really the big things.

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen,” Wooden once said.

Flexibility is the key to stability

Life and surgery will throw us curveballs. For Wooden, the trials were the key to growth. There is always a gift in adversity, and we can only focus on the task at hand and do our best. Mistakes are inevitable, so we must roll with them and learn. Adjustments are another name for growth. According to Wooden, failure was never fatal. It was failure to change. Doers, by nature, have to make mistakes.

‘Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out,” Wooden said.

Be quick, but don't hurry

Basketball requires speedy, yet fluid movement. Wooden knew about the virtue of mindfulness or living in the moment. Hurry denotes rushing and performing mindlessly. Wooden’s players were relaxed, clear and present. They performed and responded to what the situation required. In surgery, fast, hurried movements may prove costly. When we are immersed in the present moment, we are in the zone and operate at our best levels.

As Wooden said, “It isn’t what you do, but how you do it.”

Seek opportunities to show you care

Wooden’s creed was to build men and women “built for others.” He deeply understood that service was the key to inner peace. His team culture was positive and honorable. Players were courteous and kind to each other. There was no profanity allowed, and players were not allowed to criticize one another. This revered coach encouraged his players to do random acts of kindness knowing that both the giver and receiver would benefit.

Let us strive to build a beautiful work culture by being kind and courteous to OR staff and all hospital personnel. We will be all winners in Wooden’s eyes and in the estimation of others.

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you,” Wooden said.

Wooden’s wisdom will last through the ages. He was a life coach in the highest order. We can all be inner winners in surgery and at home is we apply these principles daily.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are,” the coach said.

Wooden's seven-point creed

The following creed was given to Coach Wooden by his father, Joshua:

Be true to yourself.
Make each day your masterpiece.
Help others.
Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
Make friendship a fine art.
Build a shelter against a rainy day.
Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.