Product Description

Avery Johnson is a coach, a teacher, and sometimes even a preacher, but most of all, he is a motivator, driving his team with the same fiery passion that allowed him to earn his championship credentials as an NBA player. Growing up in New Orleans's Lafitte Housing Project, he was never the biggest, fastest, or strongest, but by the strength of his will and character, he persevered. Now he offers the lessons he learned on his journey from the bottom of the bayou to the heights of success in this inspiring book.

Aspire Higher is the essential game plan for reaching your goals. Johnson begins by outlining what it takes to get to the top: determination and discipline provide the foundation that allows you to make the right decisions, on the basketball court or in the boardroom. The goal isn't just to be successful, however; it's also about caring for other people along the way. “I care about you more than I care about winning,” Johnson often tells his players.

Avery Johnson's personal and professional experiences illuminate crucial lessons, inspiring readers just as he has inspired teammates and players. His spirited message is for anyone looking for the tools and secrets of success in business, school, sports, and more—anyone looking to aspire higher.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #684354 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-01
• Released on: 2008-03-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780061452772
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Back Cover
Avery Johnson is a teacher, a leader, sometimes even a preacher, but most of all, he is a motivator; driving his team to new heights. He was named coach-of-the-year in 2006 in just his first year as head coach and in 2007 his team is on the brink of winning the NBA championship. His spirited and inspirational book is for anyone looking for the tools and secrets of success; anyone looking to win.

Johnson grew up in New Orleans’ Lafitte Housing Project and though he was never the biggest, the fastest, or the strongest, like many he dreamed that basketball was his ticket out. Johnson’s journey is most inspiring because his success did not fit the script society wrote for him, but by strength of his will alone he was able to persevere and reach the NBA where he played for sixteen seasons.
Now as a coach, his style takes into account the road that got him here and is a true outline for success on the court and in life. It revolves around two main themes; the first is the foundation for the Mavericks success and is called the “S Plan” and based on three simple concepts: Standards, Safeguards, and Satisfaction. The second called the “C Plan” is used to motivate his players into becoming championship leaders by taking on competence, strong character, clear communication, respect for colleagues, and caring.

About the Author

Avery Johnson was an NBA player for sixteen seasons, and one of only two players less than six-feet tall to play in more than 1,000 games. In 1999, he was the floor leader of the San Antonio Spurs championship team. In 2004, he signed with Dallas as a player/coach, but before the season began he decided to retire as a player and to concentrate on coaching. In his first full season as head coach in 2005–2006 he was named NBA Coach of the Year. He is a sought-after motivational speaker for community and civic organizations and numerous Fortune 500 companies. He is married and has two children.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic!
I recommend this book to everyone from a teenager on, even to retirement age. It gives food for thought, gets you back on the road of your goals in life, and makes you realize you can accomplish anything your want, if the real desire is there.
I am not a sport fan, but Avery Johnson is a person that has a voice that makes you listen to what he has to say. When the sports comes on and I hear his voice, I stop and listen. I am so glad that he is using his life in a positive way, and when I heard that he had a book out, I had to buy it. Not only was I not disappointed, I want everyone in my family to read it. My Grand Children, as they are starting their lives in the world will benefit, if they will only listen to what he has to say and the other members of my family, it will give them a boast to keep on the right track and have patience!
A must read book for everyone!

Great Lessons to build on!!!
Avery Johnson was just another guy who got overlooked in life. He had determination and discipline to keep moving forward when things didn't always go his way. He bounced around from team to team, but he never gave up in God and in himself to succeed at a high level. It teaches us all that we are capable of great things as long as we stay focused, persevere and always look to God in all that we do.