Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability. Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

Don't let making a living prevent you from making a life.

One of my constant reminders was, "End practice on a happy note." I wanted the boys to want to come out to practice, and I wanted them to get a certain amount of pleasure out of basketball. It's a game. It should be fun. So I always tried to counterbalance any criticism in practice with a bit of praise. I wanted my players to feel that the worst punishment I could give them was to deny them the privilege of practicing. If they did not want to practice, I did not want them there.

It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.

Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who'll argue with you.

As long as you try your best, you are never a failure. That is, unless you blame others.