A 7-Point Creed to Live By
When our favorite coach, John Wooden, graduated from 8th grade, his father gave him a card with a 7-point creed to live by.
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Graduation season is known for inspiring commencement speeches. Today, we’ll focus on a special graduation gift.
If you’re a regular to BIGG success, you know that we love John Wooden. He made history as a coach, and among his accomplishments was winning 10 NCAA championships. He also created the Pyramid of Success which has 15 characteristic blocks that lead to success.
In his book, “They Call Me Coach,” Wooden tells the story of his father giving him a gift for graduation. A piece of paper with handwritten words of wisdom, which included the creed.
Wooden says he carried the original in his wallet until it wore out. Then he made a copy which he always carried in his wallet. You might say it was his prized possession.
Let’s go to The Professor’s Whiteboard for a 7-point creed to live by…
1. Be true to yourself
Definition of BIGG Success – peace of mind which flows from 3 sources: finding and fulfilling your calling; striving daily to reach your full potential; and staying true to your vision, mission and values.
We like the fact John Wooden’s dad put this first. Because in the grand scheme of things, you are the foundation of your success.
If you don’t follow this point, you may achieve the outward appearance of success, but not the BIGG success that comes from living your authentic self.
2. Make each day your masterpiece
As we said before, strive daily to reach your full potential. It’s a pretty high standard because it calls for you to do everything you possibly can to be everything you can possibly be.
It also creates a mindset that values the scarcity of time. Don’t make tomorrow your masterpiece, do it today.
3. Help others
This becomes a natural part of you when you think like an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs add value to the lives of others to create value for themselves. That helpful spirit is the beginning of all BIGG success.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible
You never graduate when it comes to life. You must always maintain a learner’s attitude. And today is easier than ever from books, audiobooks, courses, podcasts, and more.
And when it comes to faith, you will need it to get through the things life throws at you. A wise person builds their house upon the rock, meaning on a solid foundation. For us, that means living your core values, which can best be done when you drink deeply from sources that guide you to living those core values.
5. Make friendship a fine art
Like fine art, friendships are very valuable and something to be treasured. The artist takes great care to bring out the beauty in his or her great works. We must strive to bring out the best of our friends and loved ones.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day
The sun won’t shine every day. At times, you may not feel its warmth. It may get dark. But you know this to be the case, so you can plan for these stormy times. Make sure that, out of everything you earn, you set a little aside for the future.
As we’ve seen in the past several years, and even recently, things that you don’t expect will happen and can have an immediate effect on your life. Small businesses that didn’t have reserves were hit the hardest by the pandemic. Everyone now is experiencing tension on their budgets with the rise of inflation. Be prepared for the unexpected.
7. Pray for guidance, count and give thanks for your blessings every day
Have some way to keep yourself centered. It’s interesting that this is last – but it is definitely not least.
It’s OK to strive for more, but be thankful for what you already have. This keeps your focus on the good things in your life. And that’s important because you get more of what you focus on.
BIGG Takeaway
As John Wooden read the card given to him with the 7-point creed that his dad said, “Johnny, try and live up to these and you’ll do all right.”
You will too! Use this creed to guide you as you steer through life’s journey. It leads to BIGG success.
George “The Professor” & Mary-Lynn
Co-Founders, BIGG Success
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