Pyramid of Success

                                 

Pyramid of Success

The Pyramid of Success
John Wooden
25 blocks

Block 1: Industriousness

"There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile results come from hard work and careful planning."

When you are a industrious person, you work hard and are always doing something to keep you occupied to become a better person. This can mean improving yourself educational wise or spiritual wise. There is always something you can improve on. This is one of the first steps in the pyramid of success and this is because if you won't take time to improve yourself, then you will most likely not be able to complete any of the other steps. Hard work pays off at the end.

                                               

Block 2: Enthusiasm

"It is the engine that powers all blocks of the Pyramid. It is why I chose Industriousness and Enthusiasm as the cornerstones of my Pyramid of Success. It is where everything begins."

When you are enthusiastic you are ready to do whatever you have to do. Enthusiasm is what strives a person to complete their goals and have a fun time doing it. Enthusiasm is also very useful when you play a sport or try anything that is competitive because you will be eager to go out there and give it your best shot. An example of enthusiasm is if your teacher says that there will be a test next class. If you are enthusiastic and want to take it, you will study eagerly and when it comes to the test you will pass because you are looking forward to it and you studied.
               

Block 3: Friendship

"Comes from mutual esteem, respect and devotion. Like marriage it must not be taken for granted but requires a joint effort."

If you want to have more opportunists in life and want to have people you can trust and depend on you have to start to make friendships with people devoted to be successful. If you start to befriend people who do not have goals for themselves then it is likely that they will not be helpful to you or they will bring you down. You have to befriend people who have goals for themselves because if you hang out with people who want to be successful, they could influence you to do better. Also, when you have friends, they might be able to hook you up with certain things. If you want to get a job, one of your friends might know someone who is hiring. If you need help on an assignment, you can depend on a friend. But, friendships aren't a one way thing, you will also have to there when your friends need you.
                          

Block 4: Loyalty

"To yourself and to all those depending upon you. Keep your self-respect."

Loyalty something any good person needs weather it being for friendship or a relationship loyalty is always needed. Knowing that someone has loyalty to you is something great but one little mess up and you could lose it and once you lose someone's loyalty you can pretty much never get it back fully. So if someone had given their loyalty to you dont over do it because it's a great thing to have. Loyalty is a gift so enjoy it and don't overuse it because soon you won't be able to have it and people will have less self-respect for you.
                                      

Block 5: Cooperation

"With all levels of your co-workers. Listen if you want to be heard. Be interested in finding the best way, not in having your own way. "

I agree with this quote about cooperation by John Wooden. Although you may not always agree with another person's thoughts/ideas, you should still be an active listener. If the tables were turned, you as well would want people to listen to your ideas. Cooperation means that both sides put in the equal amount of time and effort. Cooperation also means having an equal understanding of consensus on both sides. You need to be able to come to an agreement after all in order to cooperate with someone. Also, you should keep in mind that you are trying to find the best way of doing something, not just your way. It can be that the best way can be a mixture of everyone's ideas. You should not have a mindset and be stubborn that it has to be your way or not at all. We should not judge people based on looks because everyone has something different to bring to the table. For example, some people may have connections or resources needed to complete a specific task. In order to cooperate, you just need to have to be open minded and willing to put in your part.

Block 6: Ambition (For noble goals)
In order to be successful, you must have some greedy ambitions inside of you. To be ambitious is not being selfish, it just means you believe you deserve more than what you have. It basically means you are never satisfied and are always thriving for more. But in fact, this is a good thing, especially in the workplace. Employers are usually looking for someone with goals and ambitions, and to create relations inside of the company.

Block 7: Self-Control

"Practice self-discipline and keep emotions under control. Good judgement and common sense are essential."

When you have self control it means that you are able to do your work or achieve a goal without letting your emotions play a role in your accomplishments because they can bring you down. Self control is very necessary because it is unprofessional to let your emotions out when you are conducting business. An example of this can be when you are at school making a presentation. You have to remember that you have to do the best you can and not emotions play a role in your presentation because if you get mad a t a comment or react on it based on emotion it will make you look bad. You have to have control over yourself because if you don't, you won't go far in life. Self-control is one of the first skills you should develop because self-control will show you what you can and can't handle.     

                            

Block 8: Alertness

"Be observing constantly. Stay open-minded. Be eager to learn and improve."

Alertness plays a role in being successful because you have to see the dangers that can occur due to your actions. You always have to be alert and on your toes ready to go. If you are never alert then you will not be prepared when the situation calls for it. An example of when alertness can play a role is when you are trying to see who is fake and who is not when making friends. If you can't catch it when they show they are fake and you aren't aware to know you will be setting yourself up. Another example of alertness is when there is something bad that's about to happen like a car accident. You have to be aware of everything happening around you to be safe.

Block 9: Initiative

"Cultivate the ability to make decisions and think alone. Do not be afraid of failure, but learn from it."

I believe what this quote means is to be able to make decisions for yourself without having to depend on others. Not everyone is in the same situation as you, so sometimes you have to make decisions based on what's best for you. You should be able to take initiative and take the lead when there is no one else there to do it. You shouldn't be afraid to fail because in order to really succeed, you need to fall a couple times and pick yourself up. It is always a great help to have support from others, but unfortunately you will not always have people around you. In this case, you will need to step up and take the lead in order to make a decision that you will not regret. 

                       

Block 10: Intentness

"Set a realistic goal. Concentrate on its achievement by resisting all temptations and being determined and persistent."

What this quote means is basically that you shouldn't set a goal so unrealistically high that you get discouraged from it. You should set a goal that you know you can achieve, and then set another goal.Intentness is the thing that keeps a person reaching for the next achievement, to make each possibility a reality. The road to achievement may be difficult, but if you set realistic goals it can be alot easier. Even if you have to try different methods, you should never quit. Be intent, persistent and determined to reach your realistic objective. Once you set a goal, you should be determined to reach it. You should not give up no matter what circumstances are put in your way. You should always try to overcome circumstances, no matter how hard they may get. The more obstacles you overcome, the stronger your mindset will be towards achieving your desired goal. It takes a lot of hard work and persistence to achieve a goal, but if you stay dedicated you will get there.

               

Block 11: Sincerity (keeps friends)

This block talks about sincerity which is a mix of seriousness and honesty. Meaning that if you are able to do things with sincerity people will be able to trust you. An example of sincerity would be when you're in a relationship and you din't cheat on your spouse with another person. Don't lie to their face because it will just complicate things and you wouldn't want that . When you don't like something be honest with that person, even if it means that they'll get mad but at least you're being sincere. This quote by Confucius tells you how sincerity and truth are the main basis of life and virtue. It's not hard to have sincerity because all you have to do is show your integrity, dignity. compassion, honesty, respect etc, to gain friends. I can apply this new block into my life because I will try to be more honest with my family and always make sure to say the truth and gain their trust
               
Block 12: Adaptability (to any situation)
When you are able to adapt to any environment or situation you are put on, then you will be able to make something out of your life because not everyone can be able to do that. An example of this is when you are in a new class. The sooner you are able to adapt to a new class, the sooner you will start to learn more effectively. This skill can be compared to an animals skill in the wild to adapt. If an animal is not able to adapt to its new environment then it's likely that it will not survive. Being able to new situations will improve the chances of you being successful.

                     

Block 13: Condition

"Mental-Moral-Physical. Rest, exercise and diet must be considered. Moderation must be practiced. Dissipation must be eliminated."

To condition yourself, it means to get use to doing something. Where that means waking up at a certain time everyday or doing all your chores without being asked. This is a important skill to learn because when you are conditioned you don't have to really think about the thing you are conditioned to do. An example of this can be, doing your homework as soon as you get home. Being conditioned will keep you on track because it is almost like an automatic response to do whatever you are conditioned to do.

                        

Block 14: Skill

"A knowledge of and the ability to properly and quickly execute the fundamentals. Be prepared and cover every little detail."

You must have skill for whatever you decide to do in life. Skill is very important because when you do something in life, you need to have skill. Many employers in the work place look for skill over experience, and it might help you out. When we do something, it should be to the best of your ability.Also, when you have skill you feel better prepared during an interview.For example, here at HPIAM we have SLO's that will help prepare you for the future. One skill that is very important to have is being a critical thinker. To be a critical thinker, you must examine the details very clearly and make the best sense out of it. Another good skill you should have is being an effective communicator. This way you can effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas to others. Having skill is an ongoing lifelong process that you should accustom to.

                 

Block 15:  Team Spirit

"A genuine consideration for others. An eagerness to sacrifice personal interests of glory for the welfare of all."

I agree strongly with this quote by John Wooden. You should take others into consideration because if the tables were turned, you'd want people to do the same for you.Whether serving others’ needs physically or emotionally, even the simplest acts of kindness can have a tremendous positive impact. If you think of the human race as your team, having team spirit means helping your fellow man to succeed in life. Having 5 minds versus one is always beneficial, and everyone has something different to say, which is better than one. You should help others if you see someone is in need of help. For example, when I was in color-guard we all had to work as a team to perform the routine. If even one girl does something wrong, it affects all of us. So we would work as a team to clean routines so we can perform it. It is important to be able to work in teams because it can also help you in the future in your career.
                                   

Block 16: Honesty (in thought and action)

"Honesty is the best policy." (Ben Franklin)

When you stand for honesty, you believe in yourself and everything you represent. When you stand for honesty, everything you say carries the voice of credibility. But, when you’re dishonest, your soiled reputation will do the speaking for you.The truth shouldn’t be told only when it’s convenient. Honesty must be a way of life. Honesty means that you care deeply about trust, cherish your relationships, and value the importance of a solid reputation. Honesty means that you try to do your best and are willing to accept the consequences of your actions. Honesty means that you respect others enough to tell them the truth and that you value your opinion of yourself enough to never live a lie. As the saying goes, “It’s simple. Never lie to someone who trusts you, and never trust someone who lies to you.” That’s why it’s critical to always tell the truth — or the truth will tell on you. Honest.You should never lie when you are trying to explain something to somebody. You should always choose the right 24/7 no matter what the situation is. For example when you are taking a test, you should never cheat and you should be honest.

Block 17: Resourcefulness (proper judgment)

 “Make the most out of what you have.” (Anonymous)

"If you have a dream, if you have something you've always wanted to do, look within yourself because that is where resourcefulness resides; and go for it. (Jennifer Witterick)'

Block 18: Poise

"Just being yourself. Being at ease in any situation."

Block 19: Confidence 

"Thorough preparation breeds confidence" Gerald Bell in

You need to practice. If you don't practice you might not do it right. By preparing you will get confidence and you will do it right. An example of this would be when I was in baseball, you would have to prepare and practice for the games.When you prepare for any test or quiz you have lots of chances of passing the test or quiz. For example, when you study hard you are preparing yourself getting ready. by preparing yourself it brings you lots of confidence because you know you could do anything after you prepared.I agree with this statement because thorough preparation we do get confidence in what we want to do. We all have to prepare for everything in our lives and we have to be confident in what we do. We have to be in control and show that we know what we doing. Like for us seniors we have to be confident that we will graduate and will have a good future. Life is about preparing for new things to come to u, and we should have the confidence that it will go all right. Being ready is always better than being unprepared or doing things last minute.

"The Carolina Way"

Block 20: Reliability (creates respect)

When you are a reliable person, it means that you are someone who is responsible and others could trust you to do something you say you will do. When you are reliable you are trustworthy of getting your part done. An example of this is when you are planning out an event. The people who are responsible for the event planning and making are people who are reliable. If an unreliable person was put to set up the event, there is a chance that they will not do there part. Reliability is very important when you are applying for a job because no one wants to hire someone who is not responsible.

          

Block 21: Fight (determined effort)

When I say fight as one of the blocks I don't mean it in the sense of fighting with someone to cause physical harm but to put on a challenge to prove or show you point on something. Another way that the word fight could be seen as is when you are going through a rough time but you have to fight through it and get better. An example of this is a lawyer because they fight for their clients to win.

                 

Block 22: Competitive Greatness

" Be at your best when your best is needed. Enjoyment of a difficult challenge."

What this quote means is that there is nothing wrong with a challenge. Nothing comes easy to us in this world, and it is a good thing to be challenged sometimes. Instead of getting frustrated when we are challenged, we should try to enjoy it. Competitive greatness is when you aren't focused on winning, you are focused on being the best you can be.Real joy and pleasure comes from being involved in something difficult. Whatever we do, whether simple or complex, we should do it at the best of our ability. It isn't truly rewarding when you can do something simple and ordinary that everyone can do. A great competitor "revels" in doing the most difficult things. 

Block 23: Integrity (purity of intention)
When you have integrity you have self moral principles and are an honest person. Integrity means you have set standards for yourself and what to keep a clean image of yourself. If no one had integrity then they would have no real respect themselves An example of this could be  When a person lies, their integrity can be turned into something meaningless since their word is meaningless.

Block 24: Faith (through prayer)
Believe and Achieve. Positive belief. 

 To have faith means to have confidence in someone or something. Having faith is an example of having trust. When you are faithful you don't have any doubts. The reason why faith is important is because without it no one will be successful. If no one had faith in themselves, the world wouldn't be the same. With faith a person could have the confidence to go after a certain career in life. Another example in which faith could be used is when you are going through troublesome times and you can't think of anything else to do that will help you out. Faith through prayer can be soothing a person because that might have been the way that person was raised. Faith through prayer isn't some sort of metrical, it's a way for a person to make themselves feel psychologically better.

Block 25: Patience (good things take time)
We must have patience to maintain our enthusiasm and industriousness when pursuing our goals. It is patience that reminds us that our hard work will pay off, that worthwhile goals take time to achieve. We must have patience to be a good listener, which is a requirement of cooperation. Patience is required to maintain our intentness in the face of adversity. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience.” Or as Isaac Newton wrote, “If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention than to any other talent.”In simple words patience makes life very easy.Patient people are best human beings. They have good mental health and keep calm in difficult situations. They can easily achieve whatever they want in their life. Indeed to keep ourselves patient in difficult situations is very difficult. Perhaps that is the reason why patient people are great and successful.Acting with patience is a way of telling life that you are in no hurry, there is no distress—only peace and confidence in your truth. When we have patience, we become less reactionary, which avoids many unwanted tensions, issues, arguments etc.

reflection:
For the last two months we've been researching and learning about Building blocks for the pyramid of success and they are all very useful and fundamental to live a happy and successful life. All of the blocks are good skills that can be easily learned and applied in everyday life situations. The reason why they are so useful is because they all help you out to become a better person and character. Just missing one of these building blocks in your life could be detrimental to your success. John Wooden is the man who created the pyramid of success by living his life and seeing and learning what it takes to have success. He is a coach and he teaches all of his players these building blocks because he wants them to be the best they can be.