Peace of mind
Have you ever come across a person who is so right, making statements that are nearly too good to be true? Sounding like a cliche message from a higher ground - but inevitably nailing the essence down in the fewest, simplest form? Damn you, John, R. Wooden!
THINK. As rational as I can be, I can notice the traces of destiny when I see them. Once on a work trip to my company's HQ in Austin, a group of us were invited to a dinner at my manager's home. A kind gesture and a very relaxing evening. John was great at paying attention to connecting with us individually and at some point, he went to his study and brought a book. Knowing I used to play basketball for more than two decades, he wanted me to have his volume of Coach John Wooden's 'A Lifetime Of Observations And Reflections On and Off The Court'.
I read the book on a plane, returning to Europe. Probably focused the most on the basketball lore than anything else - games, names and strategies. After all, Coach Wooden has been a hallmark of basketball success - his UCLA team won ten college championships in twelve years, including seven in a row. No other coach even came close to such a winning streak. Well, fifteen years ago I did not appreciate what the book was really all about.
A journey to peace of mind, knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.
Coach Wooden's book is an assemble of reflections on values and practices that form a good life. A collection of experiences and observations refined into a set of philosophical principles. While many of these sound somewhat old-fashioned, even corny, I was punched in the face by their absolute clarity.
Re-reading the book, I found some gems that were as true in mid-20th century, as they would be in the mid of 21st.
'Never make excuses. Your friends don't need them and your foes won't believe them'. A powerful reminder that the only person you are truly fooling is... you.
'Ability might get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there'. A clear position on talent vs. effort. Indeed, a great talent may put individuals ahead, however without a load of work underpinned by strong values, the advantage will diminish.
'Don't let yesterday take up too much of today'. We look back, learn, and then we move on. Overthinking or rumination is not going to change the past. It is what we do as result of the past that matters.
FEEL. Decency and hard work have been topping the list of values my grandmother used to live by. Born in 1924, her coming of age was tainted by World War II: harsh realities of forced labour in Nazi Germany and separation from her family. Then, a single mom in communist Poland, she never sacrificed making a life by making a living (coach Wooden, again!). Never complained, never made (or accepted) excuses, always in motion. Living her purpose through work and service to others.
I feel the core of these values traveled well and settled in me. 25 years after she passed, this legacy is unchanged. It's just the balance of thinking about yesterday that remains a hard work!
Coach Wooden died in 2010, a few months before he turned one hundred years. I am sure that after a lifetime of peace of mind and well beyond the point of selfishness, he departed happy. His values are still holding strong.
DO. Travel fever is at its peak! Another long-time dream of ours is coming to life in 48 hours. With a Marvel fan and a Broadway fan, a family of art and history lovers, explorers of international cuisines and checking of all worldwide zoos, we are heading to New York City. A trip we were planning to take in 2020, now comes back powered by even more cultural excitement and... AI. Claude has been assisting me daily in planning the schedule, helping me find hidden gem places to eat or pointing me to various savings. Patiently responding to all my questions and changes of plans.
Signing out. Trying to also ensure that thinking about tomorrow does not take too much of today.
