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Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret: The Power of a Lot of Little Things Done Well
At the first practice of each season, legendary coach John Wooden taught his players how to put on their socks and shoes a very particular way. When asked about this, he replied, "The little things matter. All I need is one little wrinkle in one sock to put a blister on one foot--and it could ruin my whole season. I started teaching about shoes and socks early in my career, and I saw that it really did cut down on blisters during the season. That little detail gave us an edge." Coach Wooden knew the long-term impact of little things done well .
Now Pat Williams takes Coach Wooden's lesson, along with stories of people whose lives have exemplified the importance of little things done well, and shows readers how the small things one does or doesn't do drastically affect one's integrity, reputation, health, career, faith, and success. People who want to do their best in life, family, work, and faith will benefit from this entertaining and inspirational book.
Now Pat Williams takes Coach Wooden's lesson, along with stories of people whose lives have exemplified the importance of little things done well, and shows readers how the small things one does or doesn't do drastically affect one's integrity, reputation, health, career, faith, and success. People who want to do their best in life, family, work, and faith will benefit from this entertaining and inspirational book.
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
18 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Pat Williams
199 books48 followersPatrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 3, 2014
I was expecting to learn about John Wooden's words of wisdom and was happy to see that I got those and much, much more from Pat Williams' book. The entertaining read gave a lot of insight from Coach Wooden as well as from others from across many fields in addition to sports. I received the book as part of a Goodreads Giveway and was thrilled to be able to learn more about the former UCLA coach. The book will be a good one for sports fans who may or may not remember John Wooden, but will also be good for those who are looking for little reminders of what is really important when it comes to life and its lessons.
March 17, 2015
One of Coach Wooden's Seven Keys to Life is to drink deeply from good books and BetterBookClub.com helps to hone in on just that.
When Coach Wooden was asked what his one secret of success in life would be he simply said, "a lot of little things done well." This is a real-world application that anyone can start doing today no matter the job that they are in, no matter where they are located, and no matter all other outside influences. Taking the time to make sure your "i's" are dotted and your "t's" are crossed will get you far in life, especially in the world today where people are always trying to find short cuts to success.
The book is divided up into eight easy to read chapters with each chapter focusing on a different reason of why focusing on the little things are so important in life-both personal and professional life. After reading each chapter I thought to myself, "That's my favorite little thing!" and then the following chapter was even better. The book was peppered with examples of people (both athletes and not) focusing on the little things that eventually set them apart from everyone else and ultimately helped them to succeed.
One of the questions that ESPN analysis focus on when an athlete is about to switch from college to pro in any sports is rather or not that athlete is coachable or not. Coach Wooden once said, I discovered early on that the player who learned the fundamentals of basketball is going to have a much better chance of succeeding and rising through the levels of competition than the player who was content to do things his own way." This life lesson from the sports world easily transitions into the business world. A person will make a better employee when they understand the fundamentals of the company like their core values and mission statement.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is a sports fan since the examples given are mostly related to sports. (i.e. Yogi Berra, Lou Holtz, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dwayne Wade) However, there were also plenty of great examples businesses that focused on getting the little things. (i.e. Walgreens, BBDO, Apple)
When Coach Wooden was asked what his one secret of success in life would be he simply said, "a lot of little things done well." This is a real-world application that anyone can start doing today no matter the job that they are in, no matter where they are located, and no matter all other outside influences. Taking the time to make sure your "i's" are dotted and your "t's" are crossed will get you far in life, especially in the world today where people are always trying to find short cuts to success.
The book is divided up into eight easy to read chapters with each chapter focusing on a different reason of why focusing on the little things are so important in life-both personal and professional life. After reading each chapter I thought to myself, "That's my favorite little thing!" and then the following chapter was even better. The book was peppered with examples of people (both athletes and not) focusing on the little things that eventually set them apart from everyone else and ultimately helped them to succeed.
One of the questions that ESPN analysis focus on when an athlete is about to switch from college to pro in any sports is rather or not that athlete is coachable or not. Coach Wooden once said, I discovered early on that the player who learned the fundamentals of basketball is going to have a much better chance of succeeding and rising through the levels of competition than the player who was content to do things his own way." This life lesson from the sports world easily transitions into the business world. A person will make a better employee when they understand the fundamentals of the company like their core values and mission statement.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is a sports fan since the examples given are mostly related to sports. (i.e. Yogi Berra, Lou Holtz, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dwayne Wade) However, there were also plenty of great examples businesses that focused on getting the little things. (i.e. Walgreens, BBDO, Apple)
June 18, 2014
Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret: The Power of a Lot of Little Things Done Well
Written from the depth of experience of Coach Wooden, this teaching in this book is applicable to everyday life.
By paying attention to the detail, working on the little things, success can follow.
While this is not the only book on how to be successful, it is written from the wisdom of a professional sports coach, and shares the secrets of his, and his teams success.
The book includes the success stories and secrets from others who have achieved greatness in their respective fields, including Lou Holtz, Walt Disney and Steve Jobs.
A book for the leaders, sports fans, and those looking for the edge to success.
Written from the depth of experience of Coach Wooden, this teaching in this book is applicable to everyday life.
By paying attention to the detail, working on the little things, success can follow.
While this is not the only book on how to be successful, it is written from the wisdom of a professional sports coach, and shares the secrets of his, and his teams success.
The book includes the success stories and secrets from others who have achieved greatness in their respective fields, including Lou Holtz, Walt Disney and Steve Jobs.
A book for the leaders, sports fans, and those looking for the edge to success.
August 13, 2016
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret Is a must read for those on the personal growth path. Pat Williams takes decades of wisdom and coaching fundamentals and breaks it down in a practical, easy to implement way. The end of each chapter closes with several bullet poinot take aways that details the main concepts.
This was a well laid out and encouraging book.
Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret Is a must read for those on the personal growth path. Pat Williams takes decades of wisdom and coaching fundamentals and breaks it down in a practical, easy to implement way. The end of each chapter closes with several bullet poinot take aways that details the main concepts.
This was a well laid out and encouraging book.
January 28, 2014
Coach Wooden can teach us so much-yet it is the small things, day after day that made him a champion. Pat Williams did a superb job on his third John Wooden book. I highly, highly recommend this author and this book.
January 16, 2015
Pat Williams did a great job with this book. I've read a few books on Coach Wooden, but this one was really enjoyable. Highly Recommend!
December 19, 2021
Pat Williams does a great job of encapsulating the essence of John Wooden in this book that focuses on the importance of getting the "little" things right, and John Wooden remains one of my all-time favorite teachers to study and learn from.
One of the many nuggets of wisdom in this book are the Seven Rules that Wooden's father gave to him when he finished the 8th grade:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
7. Pray for guidance and counsel, and give thanks for your blessings each day.
One of the many nuggets of wisdom in this book are the Seven Rules that Wooden's father gave to him when he finished the 8th grade:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
7. Pray for guidance and counsel, and give thanks for your blessings each day.
October 27, 2017
Learn From The Best...You Won’t Regret It!
Coach Wooden was an incredible teacher and an extraordinary person. Be inspired as Pat Williams and Jim Denny share with you how you can succeed with Coach’s greatest secret.
Mark Bowser
Author of “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
Author of “Sales Success” with Zig Ziglar
Coach Wooden was an incredible teacher and an extraordinary person. Be inspired as Pat Williams and Jim Denny share with you how you can succeed with Coach’s greatest secret.
Mark Bowser
Author of “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
Author of “Sales Success” with Zig Ziglar
June 27, 2021
This is a very good and inspiring book. The author highlights and put together the life’s principles and philosophy of the inspiring basketball coach, John Wooden - The Power of a Lot of Little things done well - all in one book. It’s rich in life’s philosophies and surely good for our learning and imitation.
August 2, 2019
The message the book is trying to spread is great, but for me it felt like there is repetition of this message with different words and different examples all through the book. For me was too repetitive.
October 23, 2024
Insightful and Inspiring
What an amazing man and the effective simple principles that led him to coach, lead and encourage so many amazing players and to be coaches and leaders in their own lives. What a wonderful legacy.
What an amazing man and the effective simple principles that led him to coach, lead and encourage so many amazing players and to be coaches and leaders in their own lives. What a wonderful legacy.
October 9, 2025
Read this for lax leadership group. It had a lot of great quotes and points/tips, even though there were some things I didn't necessarily agree with. I will say that the book has helped me refine my mentality/mindset when it comes to athletics and lacrosse.
January 18, 2019
All the little things matter
November 25, 2020
Great reminder of the importance “little things” end up having on the bigger picture. Inches make champions!
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June 14, 2024Need
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
A little repetitive but love the message and theme. Last two chapters were my favorite about Character and Habit.
August 27, 2015
I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.
One of the first adult books I remember reading as a kid was "They Call Me Coach" by John Wooden. I remember how much I enjoyed that book and what a good person Coach Wooden appeared to be. I have always wondered if he really was as good a person as he came off. Everything I have read about him since indicates he truly was the person he portrayed. No dirty secrets with this guy.
Williams does a good job covering one aspect of Wooden's life: the importance of doing the little things well. Williams gives examples from Wooden's life of this along with other people who employed this philosophy. Lots of former players and friend's of Wooden's are interviewed about playing for Wooden and just learning life from him.
The book is full of short little sayings that will stay with you for a long time such as: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail; Self discipline is important to avoid being disciplined by others and many many others.
Good book to get you moving your life in the right directions.
One of the first adult books I remember reading as a kid was "They Call Me Coach" by John Wooden. I remember how much I enjoyed that book and what a good person Coach Wooden appeared to be. I have always wondered if he really was as good a person as he came off. Everything I have read about him since indicates he truly was the person he portrayed. No dirty secrets with this guy.
Williams does a good job covering one aspect of Wooden's life: the importance of doing the little things well. Williams gives examples from Wooden's life of this along with other people who employed this philosophy. Lots of former players and friend's of Wooden's are interviewed about playing for Wooden and just learning life from him.
The book is full of short little sayings that will stay with you for a long time such as: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail; Self discipline is important to avoid being disciplined by others and many many others.
Good book to get you moving your life in the right directions.
March 29, 2015
Since reading books like Stephen Covey's 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' and Napoleon Hill's 'Think and Grow Rich' and the number inspirational book of all time, 'The Holy Bible' I thought I had a good beat on the motivational material that was in print. Pat Williams accomplishes in fewer than 170 pages what no author that I have read has done in fewer than 300. Never have I read a motivational book and been disappointed when reaching the end. I have coached basketball at the youth and high school level for nearly seven years and this is my first time reading about the great Coach John Wooden. It certainly won't be my last, nor will it be my last reading the words of Pat Williams. Williams' prose is consistent with the simplicity of his philosophy and Wooden's focus on the 'little things.'
May 17, 2016
I enjoy reading about John Wooden, learning about his legacy and success principles. I also enjoy Pat Williams' books. Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret book seemed a little redundant to me but I still thought there were some powerful strategies to help build healthy habits and to replace bad habits with good habits. I also highly enjoyed the blurb about Ronald Reagan's commencement speech in 1993 to the graduating class of the Citadel. The daffodil principle was my favorite applicable thing that I learned from this book. I recommend this book to any Coach Wooden fan or someone wanting to challenge and grow in all aspects of their life.
May 11, 2022
Amazing! The lessons of Coach Wooden are priceless. The secret to success according to him is “a lot of little things done well”, that’s it as simple as it sounds. You don’t need to born a super talented, you only need to do a lot of little things well and keep improving.
Another key fact I love from the book is that in order to succeed in your profession, first you must succeed as a person. Take a look at John Wooden’s father and his seven rules for living, those rules are pure gold, those rules should be posted everywhere!
Another key fact I love from the book is that in order to succeed in your profession, first you must succeed as a person. Take a look at John Wooden’s father and his seven rules for living, those rules are pure gold, those rules should be posted everywhere!
July 22, 2015
I was expecting this to be more directly about John Wooden. Instead, it uses his principles as a jumping off point to show how they worked for others as well, then summarized each point and example. So while the idea behind it was good, the book was repetitive and the examples that related directly to Coach Wooden were in the minority.
September 5, 2016
Easy quick read. Very engaging and a ton of take-aways that can easily be applied. It's not a book like many others that just tell you what you need to do. It tells you how to do it too. After reading this book it's made me want to be an amazing business man, coach to my kids, and husband to my wife. I'd highly recommend reading this whether you know who John wooden is or not.
August 5, 2016
One of the best books I ever read.
When I was coaching basketball I would always preach on the little things. It worked, but in life I see where it would work everyday.
Thanks Pat for a great book.
Thanks Coach Wooden for all you have done.
When I was coaching basketball I would always preach on the little things. It worked, but in life I see where it would work everyday.
Thanks Pat for a great book.
Thanks Coach Wooden for all you have done.
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July 23, 2018Simplistic, concise, and powerful, the foundation to all success being repeatedly doing it the right way in all aspects.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews