If you’re not fully satisfied with your life, you probably know you’re not living up to your potential. But you can learn from the people who are through quotes by Denis Waitley.
It turns out that the real winners, the people who reach their dreams, all have one thing in common — the champion mindset.
Denis Waitley has coached that mindset into Olympians, Astronauts, and Fortune 500 executives. Along the way, he picked up a lot of wisdom on making winning a habit, conquering any challenge, and using your mind for peak performance.
These inspirational quotes by Denis Waitley will help you get into the winner’s mindset and reach that potential that is inherently inside you.
1. On learning from failure
Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.
Failure is not the opposite of winning; it is part of the learning process.
You’ve probably experienced that moment of gratitude for an event in your life that you originally perceived as negative — failing that exam, losing your job, ending a long-term relationship. And when you’re able to appreciate and own your failures, you’re able to learn and grow from them.
That’s when the magic happens. Because no longer will you fear your failures; you’ll be able to use them as stones and guides that pave your way to success.
Many quotes by Denis Waitley have to do with being dealing with failure and putting yourself in a winner’s mindset; there is great reason for this.
2. On practicing forgiveness
We are supposed to forgive everyone; everyone includes ourselves.
This can be a tough one. Most people have it backwards; they’re their own worst critic instead of their best coach.
Good coaches know that it’s a waste of energy when we spend time shaming ourselves, engaging in negative self-talk, indulging our doubts and complaints. Instead, you could use that time to focus on practicing the habits that are more likely to make you successful the next time.
3. On finding happiness
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s not a place you’ll be transported to after you’ve accomplished your goals. It’s a practice — which is great news, because that means each day you can make a ritual out of happiness.
Try doing the things you love to do: go to the beach, write down your gratitudes, find the humor in an awkward situation. You’ll find when you practice these habits of happiness your positivity will become contagious and spread to your friends and family.
4. On true friendship
A real friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
Of all quotes by Denis Waitley, the ones about true friendships are sadly over-looked; this wisdom is so important.
True friends don’t lie to you. True friends don’t talk behind your back. And true friends don’t abandon you. Friends are the family you’ve chosen.
And when the going gets rough, you should be able to rely on the people closest to you. Every successful person has to have good relationships, connections, networks. Every champion should know they have a team — and if they lose and the crowd stops cheering, their team will support them and prepare them for the next round.
5. On turning mistakes into experience
Mistakes are painful when they happen, but years later a collection of mistakes is what is called experience.
Mistakes can be stressful — missing that important meeting at work, not handling conflict well with a loved one — but they’re also a sign that you’re living.
At the end of the day, if you’re not making mistakes, it probably means that you aren’t trying something new. If you’re not willing to try something new, then you’re not growing — and that’s the greatest mistake you can make in this life.
6. On mistakes and success
You must learn from your past mistakes, but not lean on your past successes.
As important as it is to learn from your past mistakes, it’s also important that you don’t limit your own growth by leaning on your past successes.
Instead, focus on what you can do each day to grow, learn, fail, and improve. Imagine if Thomas Edison stopped inventing after his first patent — light bulbs wouldn’t exist!
Remember, mistakes result in refinement. Refinement results in success.
7. On knowing your own power
It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.
And finally, there’s a key difference between the champion mindset and the loser mentality.
This is one of Mindvalley’s favorite quotes by Denis Waitley.
The loser admits defeat before they ever get in the ring. The winner envisions their success before they get the gold medal.
Because here’s the thing: You’re capable. You’re talented. You’ve got potential. But in order to be successful, you’ve got to admit all of those things to yourself. And then you have to act.
Own your potential
A champion’s mindset isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build, one thought, one habit, one action at a time. Denis Waitley’s wisdom is a reminder that success starts in the mind.
The way you see yourself, the way you rise after failure, the way you push forward when others stop—that’s what sets you apart.
If you’re ready to sharpen your focus, master resilience, and step fully into your power, Mindvalley has the tools to help. Claim your free access to begin exploring mind-expanding programs such as:
- The Habit of Ferocity with Steven Kotler. Train yourself to take bold action, build momentum, and develop an unstoppable drive.
- Be Extraordinary with Vishen. Rewire your beliefs, expand your vision, and create success on your own terms.
- Everyday Bliss with Paul McKenna. Gain mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a mindset that keeps you performing at your best.
Greatness is already in you. And now, it’s time to step into it. You know what to do.
Welcome in.
