Are you looking for inspirational John Wooden quotes? John Wooden was one of the most respected coaches in the history of sports. Nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood,” he won an amazing ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period as head coach at UCLA, including a record seven in a row. He was inducted into the basketball hall of fame as both a player and as a coach.

John Wooden was renowned for the inspirational messages he said to his players over the years. These messages were often focused on how to be a success in life as well as in his beloved basketball. His powerful quotes are often called “Woodenisms.” I am sure that you will enjoy and feel inspired by this wonderful collection of John Wooden quotes.

Here Are 30 Inspirational John Wooden Quotes

1. “Make each day your masterpiece“ – John Wooden

2. “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.” – John Wooden

3. “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” – John Wooden

4. “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” – John Wooden

5. “Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.” – John Wooden

6. “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.” – John Wooden

7. “The best competition I have is against myself to become better. – John Wooden

8. “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” – John Wooden

9. “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” – John Wooden

10 of 30 John Wooden Quotes

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

11. “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.” – John Wooden

12. “Never mistake activity for achievement.” – John Wooden

13. “I think you have to be what you are. Don’t try to be somebody else. You have to be yourself at all times.” – John Wooden

14. “It isn’t what you do, but how you do it.” – John Wooden

15. “Don’t let making a living prevent you from making a life.” – John Wooden

16. “All of life is peaks and valleys. Don’t let the peaks get too high and the valleys too low.” – John Wooden

17. “I’d rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent.” – John Wooden

18. “Don’t give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you.” – John Wooden

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

20 of 30 John Wooden Quotes

“Just do the best you can. No one can do more than that.” – John Wooden

21. “It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.” – John Wooden

22. “You can do more good by being good than any other way.” – John Wooden

23. “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” ― John Wooden

24. “Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference.” ― John Wooden

25. “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” ― John Wooden

26. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” ― John Wooden

27. “It is the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” – John Wooden

28. “Nothing will work unless you do.” – John Wooden

29. “Tell the truth. That way you don’t have to remember a story.” – John Wooden

30. “If we magnified blessings as much as we magnify disappointments, we would all be much happier.” – John Wooden