Great quote for competitors

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

 

I love this quote for so many reasons. I know it’s used a lot, but that’s for good reason. In essence this quote, to me, encourages you to be a doer and to disregard the negativity of others. This is especially important in competition. For instance in BJJ I know plenty of Black Belts that don’t compete anymore. They give their reasons but often times the real reason is that they’re too worried about things like their image, what people will think if they lose, what people might say, etc. I think this quote is perfect for combating those sorts of thoughts. If you take to heart the words listed above you will go into the competition knowing that there will always be people on the sidelines ready to give their critiques or to pass judgment. But it doesn’t matter, because you’re out there. You are putting it on the line. Part of the thrill of competition is just being in the thick of everything. I know I’ve personally had numerous situations where people were salivating over the thought of me losing. Ready to berate me for my shortcomings. But if I chose to avoid competition because I was worried about losing and damaging my image . . . well I’d probably never compete. I’ve competed a lot over the years. I’ve won more than I’ve lost, but I’ve lost plenty. In the end though the losses don’t stand out as negative experiences. They became learning experiences. I don’t remember a single negative criticisms that’s been directed towards me. Lastly, even in a loss my friends and students (the people who really matter) respect me for stepping up to the field of competition. 

So if you are planning on competing in your chosen sport. Pay no attention to the keyboard warriors lurking on Facebook ready to cut you down should you fall short. Give no energy towards the insecure individuals who look to pick apart small errors of your victories. Their focus on you and your endeavors are just a sign that their mind is in the wrong place. You continue being the doer and let them enjoy their view from the sidelines.