"We have to understand that the world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation. The hand is more important than the eye." Jacob Bronowski

"Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination." John Dewey

"Reality is an illusion, albeit a very persistent one...If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it." Albert Einstein

Today's image: Periphery by persnicketydame. Beautiful. Thank you!

SUCCESS

In the office near my desk is a framed New York Times Magazine cover.

Its first home was in my first office. It was the first piece I had professionally framed.

Over the years it has been showcased in each of my offices. Chicago, Boston, New York, Minneapolis, Dallas, Vancouver, Portland and now it's back where it started, in Madison.

Many have asked to copy it, a few have offered to buy it (two of those offers would qualify as crazy, stupid, large amounts of money).

Copies were made. No serious consideration ever given to selling the piece.

It's a pyramid of success.

Fifteen blocks in five tiers representing "one coach's edifice."

The coach is John Wooden.

Some thirty plus years after that New York Times Magazine cover, Coach Wooden and Steve Jamison wrote the book on the pyramid. If you're looking to buy a book for the leaders on your list this one deserves your serious consideration (Amazon info).

Today the pyramid is shared with you. Top to bottom.

Competitive Greatness
"Be your best when the best is needed"

Poise - Confidence
"Just being yourself. Being at ease in any situation. Never fighting yourself."
"Respect without fear. Confident not cocky. May come from faith in yourself in knowing that you are prepared."

Condition - Skill - Team Spirit
"Moderation must be practiced." "A knowledge of and the ability to properly execute the fundamentals. Be prepared. Cover every detail." "An eagerness to sacrifice personal interests or glory for the welfare of all. The team comes first."

Self-Control - Alertness - Initiative - Intentness
"Emotions under control. Keep judgment and common sense." "Be observing constantly. Be quick to spot a weakness and correct it or use it as the case may warrant." "Cultivate the ability to make decisions and think alone. Desire to excel." "Ability to resist temptation and stay with your course. Concentrate on your objective and be determined to reach your goal."

Industriousness - Friendship - Loyalty - Cooperation - Enthusiasm
"There is no substitute for work. Worth while things come from hard work and careful planning." "Friendship comes from mutual esteem, respect and devotion. A sincere liking for all." "Loyalty to yourself and to all those dependent upon you. Keep your self-respect." "Cooperation with all levels of your co-workers. Help others and see the other side." "Your heart must be in your work. Stimulate others."

Bravos: Sean Ross, programming ace in residence at Edison Media Research, on his simply outstanding series The Ten Best Markets for Radio Listeners. Very well done and a great start to the month of year end lists.

Bonus: To Do List Blog. If you like PostSecret you'll love this blog by the world's leading to-do-list-ologist. Kudos to Sasha Cagen on the blog and the new book! Closed circuit to programming aces: A New Year's List Slam makes good morning show and web stuff, plus a potentially great sales promotion at the right venue.

Wheat beer: Much enjoyed our first six of Woody's Wheat. Brewed here in Wisconsin (Black River Falls), the beer is a classic hefe-weizen. Bravos to the crew at Sand Creek Brewing Company. Highly recommended.

Have an amazing week. Catch someone doing something right!