Quotes on sport and psychology
Motivational quotes from athletes and sports psychologists, sorted by theme and author. One quote a day, and on the key ones a Sports Talk psychologist adds a note on why it works.
Quote of the day
«Perfection is reached only today — not yesterday and not tomorrow, because those days do not exist.»
— Jim Afremov
By theme
By author
All quotes
“In sport, as in life, what matters is not losing heart.”
“Small steps every day add up to a long journey.”
“You don't have to be perfect. You have to be honest with yourself.”
“Today's diary check-in is an investment in tomorrow's form.”
“Fear of losing should be smaller than the will to win.”
“Sport is what you do, not who you are.”
“Train your mind as much as you train your body.”
“If your level isn't rising, it's falling.”
“All athletes suffer defeats, but champions don't dwell endlessly on failures. Instead, they focus on positive experiences and keep moving forward with confidence.”
“Mental toughness doesn't always begin with gritted teeth, relentless practice, deep reflection, heightened focus, or encouraging shouts of "Be strong!" It lies in the ability not to lose heart and not to give up, even in the toughest circumstances.”
“Fear is the enemy of fruitful work!”
“Don't envy the champion—be the champion.”
When a sports psychologist helps
If the theme lands, read the breakdowns of what athletes go through, take a test, or pick a sports psychologist to talk to.