John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success (The 15 “Building Blocks” of Success)

 "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable."
- John Wooden

 1) Industriousness — Success travels in the company of very hard work.
There is no trick, no easy way. There is no substitute for hard work. Worthwhile results come from hard work and careful planning.

 2) Friendship — Strive to build a team filled with camaraderie and respect: comrades-in-arms.
Friendship comes from mutual esteem, respect and devotion. Like marriage, it must not be taken for granted but requires a joint effort.

 3) Loyalty — Be true to yourself. Be true to those you lead.

 4) Cooperation — Have utmost concern for what’s right rather than who’s right.
Cooperate with all levels of your co-workers. Listen if you want to be heard. Be interested in finding the best way, not in having your way.

5) Enthusiasm — Your energy and enjoyment, drive and dedication will stimulate and greatly inspire others.
Enthusiasm brushes off upon those with whom you come in contact. You must truly enjoy what you are doing.

6) Self-Control — Control of your organization begins with control of yourself. Be disciplined.
Practice self-discipline and keep emotions under control. Good judgment and common sense are essential.

7) Alertness — Constantly be aware and observing. Always seek to improve yourself and the team.
Be observing constantly. Stay open-minded. Be eager to learn and improve.

8) Initiative — Make a decision! Failure to act is often the biggest failure of all.
Cultivate the ability to make decisions and think alone. Do not be afraid of failure, but learn from it.

9) Intentness — Stay the course. When thwarted try again; harder, smarter. Persevere relentlessly.
Set a realistic goal. Concentrate on its achievement by resisting all temptations and being determined and persistent. 

10) Condition — Ability may get you to the top, but character keeps you there – mental, moral and physical.
Rest, exercise and diet must be considered. Moderation must be practiced. Dissipation must be eliminated.

11) Skill — What a leader learns after you’ve learned it all is what counts most of all.
A knowledge of and the ability to properly and quickly execute the fundamentals. Be prepared and cover every little detail.

12) Team Spirit — The star of the team is the team. ‘We’ supersedes ‘me’.
A genuine consideration for others. An eagerness to sacrifice personal interests of glory for the welfare of all.

13) Poise — Be yourself. Don’t be thrown off by events whether good or bad.
Being at ease in any situation. Never fighting yourself.

14) Confidence — The strongest steel is well-founded self-belief. It is earned, not given.
Respect without fear. Comes from being prepared and keeping all things in proper perspective.

15) Competitive Greatness — Perform at your best when your best is required. Your best is required each day.
Enjoyment of a difficult challenge.