Passages From Lesser Known Rick Pitino Motivational Books

This evening, while watching the Tribute to Lute Olson on ESPN Classic featuring the 97 finals, Mike Jones and TH revisited the library in the Kentucky Sports Radio compound to dust off some of the must reads on Rick Pitinos syllabus of failure. The following is from Chapter 3 of Rick Pitino's Time Life Series: Motivating Change Throughout the House. We pick up with the following passage involving lighting: For one to change a lightbulb, it must initially be determined that the lightbulb wants to change. If a lightbulb is not ready to change, then the systematic failure that will result from attempting to assimilate it with other working household items is imminent. A lightbulb that cannot be first changed from within cannot be changed with all the screwing in the world. This applies to the electricity in all areas of the house. Much like Joanne, my wife, the mere fact of screwing will not change her. Even if I pursue younger, more attractive lightbulbs, this screwing will in no way effect the nature of our relationship as the relationship itself is not open for change. The lightbulb is part a larger system, or network, that is dependent on each piece operating independently from one another in order to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the system as a whole. For example, Joanne is responsible in our household system for making appearances at all Final Fours and staying well above he Mason-Dixon line at all times not the Final Four. Her operation of a life independent of mine allows me to maximize the time-value of sampling and testing different lightbulbs throughout the various rooms in our house and beyond. The product of my experiences through trial and error are vast. Sometimes, for instance, it takes hours and hours of screwing to determine the perfect piece and placement for my needs. In some circumstances, it is necessary to change seemingly satisfactory lightbulbs even though they are no dimmer than when they were first screwed. I would also remind you that lightbulbs can be picked up in non-traditional locales and utilized to the same extent that you would those found in more conventional places with ordinary methods of search. Given my time constraints, often my assistants and staff initially discover lightbulbs that they think would satisfy my styles and needs. Often, given the family like atmosphere of our association, they will first try out a lightbulb to make sure it screws properly in their home or office before recommending my personal use. However, I fully understand that this method may not be available to the everyday man but that should in no way disenfranchise him from trying unique locations for themselves. Early in my career, I picked up lightbulbs everywhere from garage sales to those discarded in shady back alleys. Even lightbulbs that often appeared to be seriously damaged could often be put to use in a pinch. In my formative days, I would screw them in every conceivable port with varying degrees of success, even over Joanne's objections. However, it is important to always remember that a light bulb that does not want to be screwed, should not be screwed not matter how perfect the slot may appear or even if the bulb has worked previously. This can be a costly lesson in a variety of situations. Finally, I leave you with this: How many Rick Pitino's does it take to screw in lightbulb? None, Rick Pitino is not walking through that door.