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Success Is a Choice: Ten Steps to Overachieving in Business and Life (Paperback)
by Rick Pitino
Category:
Personal success, Business success, Success rules |
Market price: ¥ 178.00
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¥ 168.00
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MSL Pointer Review:
A leadership inspiration and a success guide you can definitely depend on for higher achievement. |
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Author: Rick Pitino
Publisher: Broadway; Reprint edition
Pub. in: March, 1998
ISBN: 0767901320
Pages: 288
Measurements: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
Origin of product: USA
Order code: BA00625
Other information: ISBN-13: 978-0767901321
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- Awards & Credential -
The #1 National Bestseller in North America. |
- MSL Picks -
Rick Pitino is a coaching legend in basketball. He led the University of Kentucky Wildcats to an NCAA championship in 1996 and he has the distinction of being the only coach in college history to take three different schools to the Final Four in playoff competition: Providence, Kentucky, and Louisville. He has also served as head coach of the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics in the NBA where he helped to rebuild the programs at these two professional basketball franchises.
Pitino wrote this book in 1997, following the national championship season with the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He wrote this as a self- help guide intended to help individuals overachieve and reach levels of success they never thought imaginable. He lays out his plan in a ten step process, emphasizing the fundamentals that must be in place if one has any hope of achieving lofty goals.
Most of what Pitino talks about in this guide is common sense and it's the type of motivational material we have all heard countless times before. We all know, for instance, that a positive attitude and sound communication skills are critical on the path to success. We also know that persistence and learning from mistakes are important components of success and that anyone who fails in these two endeavors isn't likely to make it very far.
Self-help and motivational guides are usually very dry and ordinary, but while some of Pitino's words certainly fall under this designation, other things he advises are more unique and offer a fresh perspective. I haven't read a large number of self- help guides, but certain parts of Pitino's advice do manage to step outside the box. One thing that stands out the more than any others is Pitino's advice (warning is more like it) not to readily embrace success. When I first read this, I wasn't sure what he was talking about and it seemed very nonsensical. But after reading more, I can understand where Pitino is coming from. What he is talking about is the tendency of successful people to become very lax once they reach a goal. We have seen it happen many times before- both in business and in sports competition- where someone reaches the goal he/she set for himself/herself and then decides to step back, take it easy, and bask in the limelight. Pitino feels that "embracing success" is the greatest poison of all because if one does this, he/she will eventually be trampled over by others who have decided to continuously learn and who are striving to overtake those who are currently on top. This is good advice and it makes sense when you read it. But it is surprising how many people adopt this contented attitude and end up flat on their faces a short time after their goal has been achieved.
Another piece of advice I like in this guide is the importance of continuous improvement. This stems from the advice about embracing success and it takes it a step further by recommending that we constantly strive to better ourselves regardless of what we have currently achieved. Pitino feels that change is inevitable and it must be embraced if one expects to continue to improve and achieve goals. What worked last year likely will not work anymore because the methods that led to previous success are already known and are likely to be emulated by aggressive individuals who want the same taste of victory. Pitino parallels this with his coaching career, showing how other coaches quickly discover what makes another coach successful and proceed to imitate the winning coach's strategy. Thus, to continue to succeed, new methods must be constantly sought after and embraced.
Another thing I like about this book is the way Pitino stresses hard work as the main foundation of success. Like Pitino says, too many people nowadays are looking for that "quick fix" in life. They want to reach the goals they set overnight, without working for them and without any plan of action in place. Rarely does this type of achievement become reality, and Pitino is correct when he emphasizes how critical it is to work hard toward a goal. The one in a million chance of becoming successful in a couple of days or weeks is too rare to worry about. Just work hard, as persistently as possible, and the rewards will follow over time. Pitino's own success in coaching came about this way, and it can work for anyone, regardless of profession.
Speaking of coaching, Pitino makes mention of his coaching success throughout this book, and this is to be expected. Basketball coaching is, after all, where Pitino has achieved his greatest deal of personal success. But Pitino is quick to point out that what works for him on the basketball court can also apply to business and other professions. These steps toward success- sound communication, positive attitude, persistence, adapting to change, etc.- are universal and following them can help lead any person toward greater personal achievement.
Each chapter in this book is easy to read in follow. And each one ends with a quick summary of the key points discussed for easy reference. At the beginning of each chapter is a short piece written by someone who has been influenced by Rick Pitino in one way or another- either through working with him as an assistant coach or by playing under him as a member of one of his teams. Some of the contributors to these intros include Jim O'Brien, Glenn Consor, Bernadette Locke- Mattox, Donnie Brown, and others.
I have read several self- help type books in the past and have found most of them to be rather monotonous and common- sense oriented. Is Pitino's book any different? In many ways, it does contain common sense advice but in other ways, it sheds some new light on the attitudes and practices necessary to reach the highest levels of one's profession. It doesn't get unrealistic like other self- help guides. It maintains an element of practicality and realism as it discusses ways to reach for the stars. And it does this while continuing to emphasize the importance of hard work and taking incremental steps toward the highest goals.
Reaching important goals and overachieving in life are two areas where basketball coach Rick Pitino has excelled beyond the level of most of the competitors in his field. Even if you don't have an interest in coaching sports, the advice given in this guide can come in handy. It can apply to anyone in any profession and while the book may be several years old now, the advice it gives is timeless. It shows how you, the average Joe or Jane, can reach your personal and professional goals and outperform the competition. All it takes is discipline and determination to set you on the path toward greater success.
(From quoting Bryan Carey, USA)
Target readers:
All success conscious individuals, basketball fans, and people seeking leadership inspirations.
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When the University of Louisville went looking for its first new men's basketball coach in 30 years just five years ago, it didn't just get the best person available. The Cardinals got arguably the best person, period.
Rick Pitino, one of the most brilliant minds in coaching, began a new era in University of Louisville men's basketball when he was named head coach of the Cardinals on March 21, 2001. And as he successfully accomplished at his previous three collegiate coaching stops, it is clear that there couldn't have been a finer choice to lead Louisville back among the nation's elite teams. Pitino has a 470-172 collegiate coaching record in 20 seasons, the 12th best winning percentage among active coaches.
Pitino's up-tempo style, pressure defense, strong work ethic and family atmosphere have quickly returned the Cardinals to national prominence, with top 25 rankings over the last four years and a visit to the 2005 Final Four for the first time in 19 years as evidence.
The Cardinals were No. 3 in the nation in the final 2004-05 ESPN/USA Today poll while posting a stellar 33-5 record, matching the most victories in U of L history. U of L won its first-ever Conference USA regular season title and also claimed the league tournament championship. Louisville reached its first NCAA Sweet 16 since 1997 as the No. 4 seed in the Albuquerque Regional before advancing to its first NCAA Final Four since 1986. Pitino, who made his fifth Final Four appearance, became the first coach ever to guide teams from three different schools to the Final Four.
The successes of the 2005 Final Four squad were built upon the efforts of his early teams at U of L. Three years ago, the Cardinals won 16 straight during one stretch and rose to as high as fourth in the national polls before a trio of key injuries disrupted the Cardinals' flight. U of L won 20 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time in six years while facing one of the nation's toughest schedules. Pitino gained his 400th career coaching victory with a 73-65 victory over then top-ranked Florida on Dec. 13, 2003, the first of two wins that season U of L achieved over No. 1 ranked foes.
In his second year at U of L in 2002-03, the Cardinals reached the No. 2 position in the Associated Press poll and spent time as the nation's top team in the Ratings Percentage Index and Sagarin Ratings. After a 1-1 start, the Cardinals reeled off an incredible 17 straight victories, one short of the school record and the second-highest ever in Conference USA history. U of L won its first-ever Conference USA Tournament title.
Pitino did not wait for the Cardinals to make an upward move. In his first year at Louisville in 2001-02, he guided an undersized, often outmanned squad to a 19-13 record, upsetting the nation's fourth-ranked team along the way to earning a post-season tournament appearance in the NIT, nearly reversing the Cardinals fortunes the season prior to his arrival (12-19 in 2000-01).
Pitino's .756 winning percentage in NCAA Tournament games (31-10) is third best among active coaches.
Even under great adversity, Pitino's teams have persevered. After losing 60 percent of its scoring and four key upperclassmen from its 2005 NCAA Final Four team, Louisville battled through destructive injuries and inexperience last season to post a 21-13 record in its first year in the BIG EAST Conference, concluding the year in the NIT national semifinals.
A 2006 inductee to the New York City Hall of Fame, Pitino has embraced the storied tradition of Louisville Basketball and made a commitment to producing a vibrant program that will soon challenge for a national title.
In 20 seasons as a collegiate head coach at four different schools, Pitino has compiled a 470-172 record, a .732 winning percentage that ranks him 12th among active coaches and 30th all-time entering the 2006-07 season. His current contract ties him with U of L through the 2009-2010 season.
Among active coaches, Pitino has the third-highest winning percentage in NCAA Tournament games, winning 75.6 percent of his games in the post-season event with a 31-10 record in 11 tournament appearances. He is one of a select group of four coaches who have taken teams from four different schools to the NCAA Tournament. He is one of 10 coaches all-time who have reached the Final Four on at least five occasions.
Pitino is the only coach to take three different schools to the Final Four.
Pitino's impact goes beyond the teaching, motivation and X's and O's of his on-the-court skills. His incredible charisma, tireless work ethic, captivating speaking skills and widespread appeal not only mesmerize the Cardinal faithful, but have the college basketball world abuzz as well. His arrival in Louisville has generated incredible attention beyond the borders of the state he and his family have come to love.
Pitino is known for getting his players to believe in themselves, instilling the desire to succeed and driving his players to overachieve. His former players speak of their coach's caring nature beyond their basketball skills.
For three and a half years, Pitino served as president and head coach of the NBA's Boston Celtics. With the Celtics, he took over a team that had posted a franchise worst 15-67 record before his arrival. He quickly made an impact, improving the Celtics' victory total by 21 games in his first season. He resigned his position with the storied franchise on Jan. 8, 2001 after compiling a 102-146 record there.
He guided Kentucky to three NCAA Final Four appearances in his last five years at Kentucky, winning the 1996 NCAA Championship and reaching the national title game in 1997. In eight seasons with the Wildcats, he amassed a 219-50 record (.814) while winning two league crowns and an impressive 17-1 record in the Southeastern Conference Tournament.
While at Kentucky, Pitino coached three Wildcats who earned All-America honors and eight players who were drafted by the NBA, including six in the first round (three lottery picks).
Pitino, 54, got his start in coaching as a graduate assistant at Hawai'i in 1974 and served as a full-time assistant there in 1975-76. He served two seasons as an assistant at Syracuse under Jim Boeheim from 1976-78.
Pitino was only 25 years old when he accepted his first head coaching job at Boston University in 1978. He produced a 91-51 record in five years there, departing as the most successful coach in BU history. In his final season there, he guided the Terriers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 24 years. He was twice named New England Coach of the Year (1979, 1983).
Pitino left Boston U. to become an assistant coach for the New York Knicks from 1983-85, where he worked with head coach Hubie Brown. It was a team he would return to lead as its head coach in two seasons.
He was head coach at Providence College for two seasons (1985-87), producing a 42-23 record there. He guided the Friars to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1986 and a trip to the NCAA Final Four in 1987, winning the regional championship in Freedom Hall.
Before his stint at Kentucky, Pitino served as head coach of the New York Knicks for two seasons. In his initial year there in 1987-88, the Knicks improved by 14 victories and made the NBA Playoffs for the first time in four seasons. The Knicks won 52 games in 1988-89 and swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Aside from his hoops prowess, Pitino has achieved success off the court as well in such realms as broadcasting, publishing, motivational speaking and horse racing. He is an accomplished author, producing such books as the best seller "Success Is A Choice" and "Lead to Succeed."
He earned his degree in 1974 at Massachusetts, where he was a standout guard for the Minutemen's basketball team. His 329 career assists rank eighth all-time at UMass and his 168 assists as a senior is the sixth-best single season total ever there. Pitino was a freshman during NBA legend Julius Erving's senior year.
Born Sept. 18, 1952, Pitino is a native of New York City where he was a standout guard for Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, Long Island. There, he captained his team and established several school scoring marks.
Pitino and wife Joanne have five children: Michael, Christopher, Richard, Ryan and Jacqueline.
(Quoting from the website for University of Louisville Atheletics)
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From Publisher
When Rick Pitino became the coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, he took them from NCAA probation to four spectacular Final Four appearances, including the championship in 1996 and an incredible return to the NCAA Finals in 1997. Under Pitino's leadership, the Wildcats garnered a 70 percent winning record. Now the head coach of the Boston Celtics, Pitino has clearly become a master at molding great players and great teams. What's his secret to success?
Pitino's method - and the reason he's both a peerless basketball coach and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country - is built on a strategy of overachievement. He simply doesn't believe in shortcuts.
Success Is a Choice draws on Pitino's 17 years as a college and professional coach. In a friendly, one-on-one style, using anecdotes from his superstar career to drive home his message, Pitino presents a concrete, 10-point program for achieving success in every aspect of life, including:
- How to make winning seem inevitableHow to achieve things that even you don't think are possible
- How to subordinate your own ego and individual agenda for the common goodHow to get people to work as a team
- How to thrive on pressureHow to feel better about yourself--and improve the way you relate to others
Pitino's winning techniques appeal to everyone from corporate managers to educators to parents. Based on the same proven methods that have earned him and his teams legendary status, Pitino's plan of attack will help anyone become a winner.
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When I became the coach of Providence College in the spring of 1985, I was inheriting a program that had been languishing near the bottom of the very competitive Big East Conference ever since the conference began in 1979. I had been an assistant coach with the New York Knicks at the time, and there were people who warned me that the Providence job was a graveyard for coaches.
In one of my first meetings with the team, I listed four categories on the blackboard: basketball, school, work ethic, family. The four supposedly most important parts of my new players' lives.
"How many of you want to be professional basketball players someday?" I asked.
Virtually every hand in the room went up.
"Well, since you've had a losing season last year and there is no one here in this room who averaged at least ten points a game last year, it's obvious you are not a success in the basketball part of your lives," I said, erasing one quarter of the blackboard. "And since I've seen your grade point averages, it's also obvious you aren't successful in school either."
The room was silent as I erased another quarter of the blackboard. Then I turned to the trainer and asked him how many players had been in the gym every day since the season ended. I wanted to know how many had been working on their games.
"No one, Coach," the trainer said.
"So it's obvious you don't work hard either," I said, erasing another quarter of the blackboard.
Then I started raising my voice.
"Let's see," I said. "You aren't successful in basketball, you aren't successful in school, and you don't work hard. What's left?"
I paused for emphasis.
"Well, hopefully, you're a close team," I finally said. "Hopefully, you care about each other."
"Oh, we do, Coach," said a player named Harold Starks. "We're a close team."
I pretended to think for a minute.
"Okay, Harold, how many brothers does Steve Wright have?"
Starks slowly shook his head.
"What does Billy Donovan's father do for a living?"
Harold now looked like a deer stuck in the headlights.
"So you really don't know anything about each other, do you?" I asked.
No one spoke.
I made each player stand up and talk about himself and his family. Then something wonderful happened. What had been twelve individuals suddenly had become a cohesive unit. The makings of a team.
Twenty-two months later that collection of individuals - now a team - would be in the Final Four, the greatest stage in all of college basketball. The message I tried to communicate had started the players on the road to becoming a cohesive, hardworking group of people whose change in attitude about themselves as individuals had made all the difference.
Fiery speeches and locker-room dramatics can be effective and certainly have their place, but you have to remember that their message is essentially short-lived. True motivation must go way beyond that; it must make people understand the process required to achieve success. In this case, that message was the bonding of individuals sharing the same dreams and goals.
But the must important thing I learned was that the keys to performing well--on or off the court--were the same for all of us. Whether it's a college athlete playing at a level he never thought he could, or a salesperson striving to break records, or anyone taking more control of his or her life, the formula is the same.
Hard work and togetherness help us to soar to the next level.
Success means different things to different people. For some, it's money. For some, it's power. For others, it's the respect of their peers, or it's self-satisfaction. For many, it's the desire to have better relationships with the people in their lives.
Everyone wants to succeed, no question about that. Even people who are the most cynical and pessimistic. We all want to be more productive. We all want to feel as though we are reaching our full potential. We all want to feel as though we're controlling our destiny, that we're not being controlled by it.
I have often been approached to do a motivational book. Although I was convinced that I could tell people the correct way to go about achieving goals, I had always refused. Over the past several years, I have witnessed many rags-to-riches stories and have been around so many athletes who have gone on to accomplish things that even they once thought were impossible. Yet I have also seen promising people get swept up by victory and fall back into laziness and complacency. I have seen people face tough times and give up, shielding themselves with excuses you will never hear from people who are true lifelong winners. It is the knowledge I've gained from watching both these groups that makes me feel that I'm now ready to share what I've learned. You see, from these experiences and various efforts, it has been proven to me over and over that success is truly a choice for people, and there is a formula for a lifetime of successful behavior.
That can't be stressed enough.
We want to reach our dreams but often lack the proper direction necessary to see those dreams come true. We seem to be forever floundering without knowing why, our good intentions wasted, all but programmed for failure.
We all want to be recognized for what we do.
We all want to feel we have value.
The problem is that many of us don't know how to get there.
Most of us, of course, don't have a coach following us around in our lives to make sure we're on track. I hope that this book will be your own personal "coach" or tool for success.
It will show you how to create discipline in your life, establish a work ethic, create a sense of self-esteem in both yourself and others, learn how to fight through the inevitable adversity we all encounter in life, and be able to accomplish things you never dreamed possible.
All these goals are attainable, but each requires action and commitment.
It's up to you. |
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View all 7 comments |
Chicago Sun-Times (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-14 00:00>
So much more than another Armani suit, Pitino has done a job of psychology and salesmanship that should serve as a how-to manual for his profession. |
Time (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-14 00:00>
Pitino’s track record is extraordinary... his personal style is also winning. |
George Hallaway (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-14 00:00>
At first glance, the book Success is a Choice seems to be just another informative guide to success. To a degree, this is true, but reading the book in this way does not reveal its true potential: The real power of the book is not as a passive informative piece of literature, but as an active companion which guides and motivates you through your projects.
Putting it simply: Success is a Choice is a coach. It is full of motivation talk as well as constructive criticism that Coach Pitino gave to his players in real situations. It also lists and analyzes quite a few Pitino's own mistakes and fumbles, and this gives you the feeling of candid nonpatronizing approach. In short - this book is the next best thing to having Coach Pitino himself by your side, coaching you to success... and the guy sure is a great coach!
The only bad thing I can say about this book, is that it doesn't look like a coaching book at first glance. As stated in the beginning of this review, the book seems to be just another "success guide", and I suspect this prevents many readers to realize its full potential.
Overall, a highly recommended book for anyone who wants to get gain more control over their lives.
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On-ki Lau (MSL quote), Hong Kong
<2007-01-14 00:00>
I highly appreciate this book. It is well organized. It explains the ideas step by step with lots of examples, so that you can understand easily. The summary at the end of each chapter also help you to have deep impression on each point. The most touching me and persuade me to believe in the points made by the author is that, there are some third-parties who experienced the methods/ concept, shared their feeling with us. They told us how they using the method or concept to achieve their goal. I really believed that if we follow the concept and steps mentioned by the book, it is not so difficult for us to achieve our goal. |
View all 7 comments |
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