Champions Never Quit, Never Surrender

What makes a champion? An unrelenting attitude, belief in yourself, focus and determination? A champion is a strong competitor who never quits, never surrenders. A true champion would rather fall down while striving and exerting maximum effort, than to sit down because she is tired. I remember maintaining a wide horse-stance in karate class for what seemed like hours while our instructor often repeated that it was acceptable to collapse to the ground, but forbidden to stand up to find relief. Quitting is never an option for winners. Remember the words of Tim Allen's Captain Nesmith character in Galaxy Quest, "Never quit. Never surrender."

At Wimbledon, we witnessed a true champion in action: According to the Associated Press, "Hobbled and hurting and essentially playing on one leg, Serena Williams managed to gut out a three-set victory." At one point, Williams fell to the ground, experiencing a crippling leg cramp. "I thought about not finishing, but very briefly. I thought I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I hadn't at least tried" she said after the event. Serena Williams summoned all of the strength and fortitude within her and found victory, as a true champion will.

The same attitude and characteristics describe the successful entrepreneur. Although it may appear sometimes that there is little hope, you must remain hopeful. There will always be the quiet temptation to quit, to find a job and escape, but the serious entrepreneur realizes that during those disconcerting moments, success is often waiting, just ahead, obscured by the next curve in the road. Though currently unseen, triumph awaits beyond the coming dip. The winner knows in her gut that she will find a way to prevail in her current course or will change course as many times as necessary, ultimately finding success there. This winning attuitude is expressed so eloquently in the old adage" I cannot do anything about the wind, but I can adjust my sails." To quit is simply not an option. That is the attitude that separates champions from everyone else. 

Winners in business possess this same characteristic. Most winners are also further inspired by tales of other winners and their successes against all odds. Go and do likewise.

...........................
Daniel Sitter
Author

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Comments

[Ryan Healy]

I definitely resonate when you say it's tempting for the entrepreneur to quit. It certainly was for me that first year. Yet it has only gotten better the longer I've stuck with it.

[Daniel Sitter, Idea Seller]

I believe that everyone has those moments Ryan. Likely, when you look back, you'll find that those difficult times produced a fair amount of personal character growth that you would not have experienced otherwise!

[Jason Jacobsohn]

I work with entrepreneurs every day and most of them started businesses while everyone was telling them they were crazy. They are following their passion and believe that they can build a successful business. If every entrepreneur stopped when people were negative about it, then we wouldn't have many new businesses. So, I admire entrepreneurs for not giving up and making it happen.

[Daniel Sitter, Idea Seller]

The one good thing about naysayers Jason is that they often spur our desire to win even more!

[Mark]

New Business Growing Pains? This is what keeps most small startup business from succeeding. Ok, Ok, I know you must spend money and iron out the creases to make money and if you are not financially prepared to weather the storm(Lack of Business), you should not begin a business, right? Wrong, there are many so called businesses in a box from MLM to Afilliate
Marketing utilizing company tools and resources. In fact so many companies offer just about everything you need. The only thing that is required of you is some time and effort wit in some cases a very small startup fee. The bottom line is the internet is the most powerful marketplace to start up a profit earning business for almost no startup capitol. Go out and search and scrutinize... kick the tires if you will and become te next Donald Trump of the internet World.

[Canadian]

Most people who succeed in the face of seemingly impossible conditions are people who simply don't know how to quit. ~ Robert Schuller

Quotes on quitting

[Daniel Sitter, Idea Seller]

A great quote from Dr. Shuler and wonderful advice for all of us! Thanks for your comments.