A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.
—Larry Bird (b.1956) American Basketball Player
The winner persistently programs his pluses; the loser mournfully magnifies his minuses.
—William Arthur Ward (1921–94) American Author
Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy’s troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.
—Sun Tzu (fl. c.544–496 BCE) Chinese General, Military Theorist
Experience shows that success is due less to ability than to zeal. The winner is he who gives himself to his work, body and soul.
—Sir Thomas Buxton, 1st Baronet (1786–1845) English Politician, Social Reformer
I don’t know if I even have an aura, man. I just try to win.
—Tiger Woods (b.1975) American Sportsperson
Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.
—Vince Lombardi (1913–70) American Football Coach
Part of being a winner is knowing when enough is enough. Sometimes you have to give up the fight and walk away, and move on to something that’s more productive.
—Donald Trump (b.1946) American Businessperson, Head of State
Ever notice that people never say “It’s only a game” when they’re winning?
—Ivern Ball (1926–92) American Writer, Aphorist
If you don’t see yourself as a winner, then you cannot perform as a winner.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
The cheerful loser is the winner.
—Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915) American Writer, Publisher, Artist, Philosopher
You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing.
—Arthur Ashe (1943–93) American Tennis Player
It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.
—Bear Bryant (1913–83) American Sportsperson
Life is strange. Every so often a good man wins.
—Frank Lane (1896–1981) American Sportsperson, Businessperson
Winning is not everything, but the effort to win is.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
A winner never stops trying.
—Tom Landry (1924–2000) American Sportsperson
Every time you win, you’re reborn; when you lose, you die a little.
—George E. Allen (1896–1973) American Sportsperson
Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.
—Arthur Ashe (1943–93) American Tennis Player
If you don’t try to win you might as well hold the Olympics in somebody’s back yard. The thrill of competing carries with it the thrill of a gold medal. One wants to win to prove himself the best.
—Jesse Owens (1913–80) American Track-and-Field Athlete
Those who know how to win are much more numerous than those who know how to make proper use of their victories.
—Polybius (c.200–c.118 BCE) Greek Historian