Denis Waitley has studied champions for years and discovered the secret behind the success of super performers like Elon Musk and Michael Phelps. He realized that it’s not just talent, hard work, and or luck that makes a super performer — it’s the mindset that determines whether they succeed or fail.
Here’s an infographic with 10 quotes from Denis Waitley about the psychology of winning.
10 Quotes to Keep You Going — Even When You Feel Burned Out
You’re not alone if you feel stuck. If you feel like you’re taking the necessary steps but not seeing the results. Don’t panic.
Here’s the thing — the road to success is often filled with challenges, pitfalls, and tunnels.
But you know what to do. These quotes are just reminders of knowledge you already have.
1. Leave your limitations behind
It’s not what you are that holds you back. It’s what you think you are.
— Denis Waitley
If you want to become the person you could be, you have to let go of who you are. Or, more specifically, who you think you are.
If you don’t believe you’re able to have an impact, you’ll never see all the opportunities to. And if you believe x amount of money (name your price) is the most you’ll ever make, that will be your invisible ceiling.
Forget about who you are, and focus on who you’re becoming.
2. Your mindset is everything
Your attitude determines your altitude.
— Denis Waitley
This quote is 100% true. Yes, having a good attitude isn’t a magic cure (though it is pretty close). But a bad attitude is always an obstacle.
You don’t want to be your own worst enemy, so make your mindset your biggest ally instead.
3. It’s a balancing act
You must look within for value, but must look beyond for perspective.
— Denis Waitley
You might be thinking, “Easier said than done!” And yes, you’d be absolutely right. But the things worth doing, the treasures worth finding, are always the most challenging to do.
Trust us, the reward is embedded in the process.
4. Your word is your biggest asset
Losers make promises they often break. Winners make commitments they always keep.
— Denis Waitley
When you start to break the promises you make, you also start to take yourself less seriously. It’s important to want to do good — but it’s also important to make good on your promises.
You want to be the person who delivers, not the person who lets themselves (and others) down.
5. The 3 most important life principles
Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable.
— Denis Waitley
Three words for you here: Keep. It. Simple.
Life’s full of twist and turns — and living your life by principles helps you simplify and clarify how you should act.
6. Life’s not about your paycheck
Chase your passion, not your pension.
— Denis Waitley
No one on their deathbed has ever looked back on their life and said, “I wish I had just spent more time at the office.”
But people do look back and say, “I wish I had pursued my dreams.” Or, “I wish I had spent more time with my family.”
Only you know what matters to you — but make sure that’s what you’re pursuing.
7. Understand the laws of life
There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.
— Denis Waitley
In order to enjoy life, you have to understand the laws of life: accept or create. Surrender or change.
At the end of the day, you’re responsible for knowing where your boundaries are and how to respect them.
8. Let your imagination drive your creation
When you visualize, you materialize.
— Denis Waitley
Steve Jobs. Oprah. Elon Musk.
It all starts with a dream.
9. Use your gifts — and pass down your own
The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.
— Denis Waitley
Your greatest gift to your children, to society, and to yourself is to fulfill your responsibilities and establish your independence.
10. Life’s a game, so play it well
Success in life comes from holding a good hand, but in playing a poor hand well.
— Denis Waitley
Not all hands in life are dealt fairly or evenly. But the wonderful thing about the modern world is that more than ever before, we’re able to change our circumstances.
So if you don’t hold the perfect hand, focus on the strategies you can play well right now to get you through to the next round. Eventually, you’ll win the whole damn thing.
