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Think Like a Warrior

By Darrin Donnelly

  • Premise: what works in sport works at work; five legendary coaches each supply one philosophy, told through a founder named Eli
  • John Wooden - control effort and attitude: he won 10 national titles in 12 years at UCLA (an 88-game win streak) but needed 28 seasons for the first title. Only effort and attitude are in your control, so let results follow. Daily check: did I give my fullest attention to my work, and did I bring the best attitude?
  • Buck O'Neil - it is your duty to be joyful: the first Black coach in MLB, barred from the majors as a player, with a grandfather who had been enslaved. Love life and attack each day with enthusiasm; gratitude beats bitterness
  • Herb Brooks - make the goal slightly unrealistic: his 1980 US Olympic hockey team beat the Soviet team and won gold. The real failure is a "realistic" goal that is too small; trust your own voice over naysayers
  • Bear Bryant - choose to be relentless: mental toughness is a daily decision, with no excuses or blame. At a brutal Texas summer camp about 30 of 115 players stayed and formed an undefeated team two years later. Tough times never last, so go a little longer; the first quit is hard, the second easier, the third automatic
  • Vince Lombardi - choose faith over fear: confidence must be protected and rebuilt, especially during success when fear creeps back. Collect evidence of past wins, visualize the next one, and surround yourself with believers

Five Creeds​

  1. I control my effort and attitude
  2. It is my duty to be joyful
  3. My goal should feel slightly unrealistic
  4. I choose to be relentless
  5. I choose faith over fear