Top 16 Characteristics of Greatness with Don Yaeger

What does it take to achieve greatness?

Don Yaeger has been mentored by legendary coaches like John Wooden.  He’s interviewed hundreds of the top champions in the world and even lived with athletes to learn exactly what makes them amazing.

Through his years of experience with these legends, he’s discovered 16 common characteristics of greatness.

I sit down with the 7 time New York Times best selling author as he shares with us the secret to achieving greatness in your own life on episode number 17 of The School of Greatness podcast.

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The School of Greatness Podcast

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ – Muhammad Ali

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Who was the most inspiring athlete that motivated Yeager to start writing books
• What it was like to spend time with Walter Payton during the last 10 weeks of his life
• What it was like being mentored by John Wooden for the last 10 years of his life
• How to maintain a positive and valuable inner circle (and how this is essential for greatness)
• That “life is all about a series of pay it forward opportunities and mentoring is the greatest one”
• The importance of reaching out to mentors when seeking them
• Who the most inspiring athlete is for Yaeger: Michael Jordan
• About the intimidating presence that Michael Jordan has
• Yaeger’s explanation for seeking greatness
• Why you must hate losing more than you like winning
• Which is more valuable: an amazing skill-set or an amazing mindset
• Why sustainability is so important when seeking greatness 
• Why Yaeger appreciates Derek Jeter so much as an athlete
• Yaeger’s predictions for Kobe Bryant
• What’s going on next for Yaeger: Make a Wish Foundation
• Plus much more…

Quotes for this Episode:

• “You will never outperform your inner circle.” – John Wooden
• “You show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” – John Wooden
• “Competitive greatness is your ability to be your very best when your best is needed.”
• “A loss is not a failure until you make an excuse.” – Michael Jordan
• “You gotta do common things, uncommonly well.” – Don Yaeger
• “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” – Don Yaeger
• “Greatness is not attainable, but in the pursuit of it, you can achieve excellence.” – Vince Lombardi

Continue Seeking Greatness:

• Connect with Don Yaeger – Website – Twitter – LinkedIn – Facebook – YouTube – Pintrest – Vimeo
• Print out John Wooden’s Pyramid of Greatness

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

1. Never Die Easy
2. The Game Plan for Life
3. Wooden on Leadership
4. 16 Characteristics of Greatness
5. Wish Granted (Out Soon)
6. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

• Music Credits: Undercover by Zara Larsson (Eddzaa Remix)
• Use the Code: GREATNESS at Onnit.com and get your Shroomtech, Hempforce or AlphaBrain TODAY!

Did you enjoy the podcast?

What was the biggest characteristic of greatness that stood out for you in this episode, and do you think Don is missing something in his top 16?  Please share you thoughts in the comments section below.