“Make each day a masterpiece.” John Wooden

John Wooden was a legendary basketball player and coach who inspired and counseled many individuals and teams to victory. When I came across eight principles from his book Wooden that he used to guide his many successful players over the years, I knew they offered wisdom we could all apply for our writing journey:

1. Fear no opponent. Respect every opponent.

2. Remember, it’s the perfection of the smallest details that makes big things happen.

3. Keep in mind that hustle makes up for many a mistake.

4. Be more interested in character than reputation.

5. Be quick, but don’t hurry.

6. Understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have.

7. Know that valid self-analysis is crucial for improvement.

8. Remember that there is no substitute for hard work and careful planning. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Here’s an idea: Each day over the next week or so, why not take one of these principles and use it as a touchstone for your writing? You can take them in the order given or mix them up and pick one each day that really speaks to you.

I’m going to try this myself. Today, I’m going to take #3 about hustle to heart. I’ve been a little sluggish in my writing lately and I need to pick up the pace. Write on!