On this day, we at KPB would like to share with you Coach John Wooden’s “Nine Promises That Can Bring Happiness,” which is also the Creed of Optimist International. These lessons can impact our lives far beyond the perfection found between the foul lines.
Promise #1: Promise yourself that you will talk health, happiness, and prosperity as often as possible.
Promise #2: Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.
Promise #3: Promise to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best in yourself and others.
Promise #4: Promise to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
Promise #5: Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
Promise #6: Promise to forget the mistakes of your past and press on to greater achievements in the future.
Promise #7: Promise to wear a cheerful appearance at all times and give every person you meet a smile.
Promise #8: Promise to give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
Promise #9: Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit trouble to press on you.
Baseball is a beautiful game. It reveals heart, character, desire, motivation, and passion. It builds friendship, leadership, and teamwork. Through peaks and valleys, it challenges us to persevere. It demands hard work, and rewards with great joy. It teaches us how to play the game of life.
Some day, the privilege of playing this game will be taken away from every one of us. But if you truly love baseball, it will always be a part of you. You will have the game, and what it taught you, in your heart and mind forever.
In tribute and remembrance…
The KPB Staff
Sources:
The Essential Wooden: A Lifetime of Lessons on Leaders and Leadership – John Wooden, McGraw Hill, 2006
Optimist International: http://www.optimist.org/e/creed.cfm
