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Beating the Odds

Daily Impossible

With March Madness just around the corner, no discussion of doing the impossible can leave out John Wooden.

Known as the Wizard of Westwood, Wooden coached UCLA to an inconceivable 10 NCAA men’s basketball titles, eight of them in a row. If you’re looking for an expert on the impossible, Wooden would be it.

Wooden, who considered himself a teacher, would preach, “Make each day a masterpiece.”

Today marks Day 15 of a 17-day multi-media seminar on “How to Do the Impossible.” Dr. Rob Gilbert presents his daily inspiration on his Success Hotline at (973) 743-4690. I’m blogging here at TotalGamePlan.

No matter what version of the impossible you’re aiming for, Wooden’s advice makes sense. No real accomplishment comes without lots of day-to-day work.

“One can make a day of any size,” said naturalist John Muir, “and regulate the rising and setting of his own sun and the brightness of its shining.”

Unfortunately, taking things day-by-day requires discipline at this time of the year. Winter can make you count down the days to spring.

“I’ll tell you what I do in the winter,” said baseball Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby. “I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

You can’t afford that if you want to do the impossible. Today is all you have.

“Don’t count the days,” says motivational speaker Ed Agresta. “Make the days count.”

Wooden did that as well as anyone. His teams practiced only 90 minutes per day, but those practices were packed with learning and improvement.

“Never,” he said, “mistake activity for achievement.”

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Thank you for visiting Total Game Plan. If your team, group or business needs a motivational speaker, please email coachtully @ totalgameplan.com. Here are some other resources for your success:

Think Better, Win More!” will give you a mental game to match your physical game.

To get better at anything, check out “The Improvement Factor: How Winners Turn Practice into Success.”

Need some motivation? Everyone needs it now and then. Open any page of “Thank God You’re Lazy! The Instant Cure for What’s Holding You Back” for a story or a quote to lift your spirits.

Are you a teacher, boss or sports coach? Here’s “Ten Things Great Coaches Know” by Mike Tully and Gary Pritchard.

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