I love reading this poem.  And with Arnold Palmer’s passing this year, it seems fitting to read it and remember a great athlete and successful businessman—who of course, went to Wake Forest.  Because so many successful people do.

I hope reading it inspires you.  Cheers to a New Year and a time to take your business to the next level!

 

Whether You Think You Can or Can’t You’re Probably Right

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think that you dare not, you don’t;

If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t,

It’s almost certain you won’t.

 

If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost;

For out in the world you’ll find

Success begins with a fellow’s will.

It’s all in the state of mind.

 

If you think you are outclassed, you are;

You’ve got to think high to rise;

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

 

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster man;

But sooner or later the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.

 

*A plaque has hung in my office for many years carrying the above selection of free verse.  I am not aware of its origin, but consider it a pertinent guideline for one to pursue in life and toward specific goals as well.  It has always provided an energizing thrust to my career in golf.

-Arnold Palmer, Professional Golfer

4-1, The Edge: The Guide to Fulfilling Dreams, Maximizing Success and Enjoying a Lifetime of Achievement, Howard E. Ferguson (This is one of my favorite books. So many great quotes and bits of inspiration.)