I’m a fan of Coach John Wooden’s book, Pyramid of Success. Throughout my teaching and coaching career, I’ve shared with others how it has influenced my life in many helpful ways. Recently, during an FCA coaches’ Bible study, it occurred to me that the ideas that influenced me could just as easily be called the “pyramid of significance.”

Webster defines success as “an outcome or result; favorable or desired outcome; the attainment of wealth, favor or eminence.” The definition of significance reads, “Something that is conveyed as a meaning often obscurely or indirectly; the quality of being important.”

We all know the story. It has been fantasized in the minds of aspiring athletes everywhere. It has been replayed continuously on driveways and vacant lots all over the world. Whether it’s one second left on the clock, the bottom of the ninth inning, or the last ten meters of a race, somehow the unlikely hero snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and basks in the adoration of the make-believe crowd.

Hockey Chat:  Could you imagine what the scores would be like if goalies weren’t allowed to wear any equipment.  We’ve got some talent between the posts during our skates but they thank much of that to the equipment they put on.  Not only does it help to stop the pucks, it stops the pain as well.  Going out there unequipped would be disastrous.  Sure they would stand there for a few minutes and maybe even grab a slow sliding puck with their bare hands.  But as the attacks keep coming, their lack of preparedness would leave them broken down.  Every player has equipment to keep them safe.  It helps them stand their ground and play hard.