What Do Martin Luther King Jr and Coach John Wooden Have to Say about What Success Really Means?
By Donnie Yance
Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was an American Baptist minister and activist who was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
MLK had a lot to say when it comes to the measurement of success. Here are a few quotes of his that may redefine what success really means:
“Success is not just a destination; it’s the journey of serving others.”
“True success comes from lifting others as you rise.”
“Courage is the foundation of every successful endeavor.”
“Success is a symphony composed of teamwork and unity.”
“A true measure of success is found in the hearts you inspire.”
“Success blossoms in the soil of perseverance and sacrifice.”
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
Although Dr. King was most well-known for his “I have a dream” speech; I would like to recall words from his very last speech, where he stated
“We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord”
These are powerful words from a person that has seen the face of God and responded accordingly without any fear. We are all forever blessed by his life.
One of my greatest mentors, John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, offered a profound definition of success:
“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
This perspective resonates deeply with me, as it shifts focus from external metrics to internal fulfillment. Wooden also wisely noted that,
“success is never final, and failure is never fatal,”
highlighting the dynamic nature of achievement.
True success emerges from the harmonious blend of multiple attributes: faith, patience, poise, confidence, skill, courage, cooperation, intentness, adaptability, and effort. It’s the delicate balance between individual excellence and collaborative spirit that creates lasting achievement.
In the music industry, conventional metrics of success often focus on hit songs, record sales, YouTube views, and financial gains. Yet, for the authentic artist, success lies in the intrinsic value of their creation—the music itself. Their measure of achievement stems from whether the composition pleases their artistic sensibilities or, on a deeper spiritual level, whether it serves a higher purpose. Indeed, some of the most magnificent musical works were composed with the profound intention of bridging the divine and the earthly.
In the realm of cancer treatment, our understanding of success is often clouded by oversimplified declarations. While medical professionals might measure success through statements like “we got all of the tumor,” “you’re in remission,” or “you’re cancer-free,” these benchmarks only truly matter if they translate to improved quality or length of life. True success in cancer care extends beyond medical metrics to encompass the patient’s overall wellbeing and life experience.
The language we use around cancer often betrays a limited perspective on life and existence. Terms like “cancer survivor” and “end-of-life care,” while well-intentioned, reflect a constrained view of human experience. From a spiritual standpoint, these phrases miss a profound truth: we are all, in essence, eternal survivors, having already secured our survival through our spiritual nature. Similarly, describing any phase as “end-of-life” overlooks the fundamental principle that life doesn’t end but rather transforms. What we perceive as an ending is merely a transition—a doorway to another form of existence. This isn’t merely semantic nuance; it represents a fundamental shift in how we understand and approach life’s challenges, including serious illness.
The Dual Nature of Life’s Purpose
Our lives operate on two distinct but interconnected planes of purpose. The subjective purpose—our primary calling—is inherently spiritual, binding us to the Divine. This is our soul’s fundamental mission: to manifest our authentic self as an image of God, embodying divine attributes in our unique way. This represents our “being” self—who we truly are at our core.
In parallel runs our objective purpose—our worldly role and practical function in society. This encompasses how we make a living, contribute to our community, and navigate daily life. It represents our “doing” self—what we accomplish in the material world.
While society often fixates on objective achievements, it’s crucial to understand that our subjective purpose—our spiritual essence and divine connection—holds primacy. True fulfillment emerges when we align our “doing” with our “being,” allowing our external actions to flow naturally from our internal spiritual identity.
Living the Paradox of our “Being” and “Doing” Self
The deepest wisdom about success often contradicts our modern culture’s self-centered metrics. John Wooden illuminated this truth when he said, “You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” This echoes one of history’s most powerful teachings on love and sacrifice, expressed in Jesus’s words (John 15:13): “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Such profound statements stand in stark contrast to today’s prevalent narratives about success—narratives that prioritize personal gain, measurable achievements, and transactional relationships.
While contemporary society often equates success with accumulation—of wealth, influence, or acclaim—these timeless teachings remind us that true fulfillment comes through giving without expectation of return, through sacrifice without guarantee of recognition, and through service that transcends self-interest. This paradox—that the height of success might be found in selfless acts—challenges the very foundation of how modern culture defines achievement.
Those blessed with heightened spiritual intelligence possess a unique capacity to contemplate life’s deepest question: Why are we here? This contemplation extends beyond mere philosophical musing—it involves recognizing the profound connection between one’s individual soul and the Universal Divine Consciousness. Such awareness transforms our understanding of success into something far more meaningful than worldly achievements.
True success, viewed through this elevated lens, becomes a journey of union and communion with the Divine and with others. This path manifests through specific virtues and actions:
- Mercy: Extending compassion to others, even in their failures
- Forgiveness: Releasing resentments that block spiritual growth
- Nonviolence: Embracing peace in thought, word, and deed
- Letting Go: Surrendering attachments that hinder spiritual progress
- Solidarity: Standing united with all of humanity
- Service: Giving selflessly to others
- Love: Expressing divine love in all interactions
- Patience: Accepting life’s unfolding with grace
- Simplicity: Living with mindful intention and minimal excess
This spiritual recipe for success stands in clear contrast to society’s material metrics. It measures achievement not by what we accumulate or accomplish, but by how fully we embody these divine qualities in our daily lives. Success becomes less about personal triumph and more about our contribution to the collective spiritual evolution of humanity.
Throughout history, humanity has been guided by extraordinarily evolved individuals who illuminate the path forward for others. In Catholic tradition, these exemplars were known simply as “saints,” though similar figures exist across all spiritual traditions. These rare individuals serve as living proof of what humans can achieve—for we often cannot envision new possibilities until we see them embodied in another. Like a constellation suddenly becoming visible in the night sky, their example illuminates what might be possible in our own lives. Saint Francis of Assisi stands as one such beacon who has a profound impact on me personally. His story—one of radical simplicity, universal love, and communion with all creation—still catalyzes transformation in those who encounter it, spreading from person to person like a divine contagion of enlightened awareness.
Martin Luther King Jr. embodied this same transformative power. Like the saints before him, King demonstrated what moral courage and radical love could look like in action, making visible a path that many couldn’t previously imagine. His dream of racial equality and justice wasn’t just a political vision—it was a spiritual revolution that challenged Americans to evolve beyond their limited consciousness. Through nonviolent resistance and prophetic leadership, King showed how one individual’s elevated consciousness could catalyze massive social transformation. His example, like ripples in a pond, continues to inspire and awaken us to the capacity for moral greatness that lies dormant in each of our individual human hearts.
Conclusion
Success is far more profound than the fleeting accolades or material gains our society often celebrates. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that true success is deeply rooted in service, sacrifice, and the courage to pursue higher ideals.
John Wooden reinforces this idea, emphasizing that success is found in the peace of mind that comes from striving to be our best selves. Whether through acts of kindness, artistic expression, or transcending life’s challenges with grace, success emerges from the alignment of our inner purpose with our outer actions.
By embracing virtues such as love, patience, and service, we transcend conventional notions of success to participate in a greater, eternal narrative. As we reflect on these timeless lessons, let us strive to redefine success—not as something we achieve for ourselves, but as the lasting impact we create through the lives we touch and the love we share. This reimagined success is the true symphony of human potential, harmonizing our spiritual and worldly endeavors into a legacy of meaning and grace.
As we contemplate and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday this month, may we turn our thoughts to how we can better emulate his soul-centered definition of success.
About the Author:
Donald R. Yance is the founder of the Mederi Center. A Clinical Master Herbalist and Certified Nutritionist, Donnie is renowned for his extraordinary knowledge and deep understanding of the healing properties of plants and nutrition, as well as of epigenetics, laboratory medicine, oncologic pathology, and molecular oncology. He is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, National Association of Nutrition Professionals, Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, and the Society for Integrative Oncology.