Literally falling on the ice and having to pick yourself up in front of thousands of people is not an easy thing to do. The thing that you learn is to pick yourself back up, to learn from your mistakes.
Michelle KwanRead
If you ask another competitor, they may tell you they felt very competitive towards me. But I can tell you that my biggest competition was myself. There's only so much you can do, right? There is only so much energy that one has. My focus was on how do I get the best out of myself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True competition lies within oneself rather than against others.
In this quote, Michelle Kwan emphasizes the importance of self-improvement and personal growth. She suggests that while external competition exists, the true challenge is to push and better oneself, highlighting the limited energy and focus that everyone has, which should ideally be directed towards maximizing one's own potential.
Themes
CompetitionSelf-ImprovementPersonal GrowthMotivationFocus
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to athletes, emphasizing the importance of internal competition.
More from Michelle Kwan
All quotes βI look back at 1993 or 1994 when I made it to the National Championships, and I was on used skates and handmade or borrowed costumes. But my mom was there every step of the way for me: she was the one traveling with me all over the world at age 13.
Michelle KwanRead
At 13, I was fearless. I looked at everything so positive. When you're older and been through it all, you know how bad it can get. There is a fear of failing.
Michelle KwanRead
In figure skating, you have four minutes to do your best. It's your time; you do your best.
Michelle KwanRead
Winning is not about how many medals you get-it's about accomplishing goals and just being the best you can be!
Michelle KwanRead
I don't really remember a time younger than 5 years old that I didn't have skates on because all I can remember is every day, tying up my skates and a big smile on my face, excited to go on the ice.
Michelle KwanRead
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Let people say whatever they like, stick to your own convictions, and rest assured, the world will be at your feet. They say, "Have faith in this fellow or that fellow", but I say, "Have faith in yourself first", that's the way. Have faith in yourself-all power is in you-be conscious and bring it out. Say, "I can do everything."
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