Today I talked with my baby brother and my eldest son about what it takes to be a successful athlete. From boxing to UFC to professional basketball, we landed on one thing – mental toughness. Being unafraid to take a hit, being unwilling to give up… this is what sets greatness apart from talent. There is power in grit and sticking it out when everyone else won’t or can’t. I do not feel this toughness inside of myself, but maybe it’s there nonetheless. Perhaps it’s why I’ve loved a football coach’s quote since childhood.
The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.
Vincent T. Lombardi
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