Quotes

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

«I hated every minute of training, but I said to myself: «Don’t leave, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion»»

— Muhammad Ali

By theme

By author

All quotes

“Reappraisal is about understanding how events shape our thoughts, how thoughts shape our emotions, and how all of that shapes our actions. We can change the trajectory of our emotional reactions by transforming how we think about an event.”
— Ноэль Брик, Скотт ДугласMotivationWork and talent
“By learning to think like athletes, you'll see that motivation, emotional regulation, focus, mental toughness, and confidence can all change. They aren't set in stone. You can strengthen each of these qualities with the right mental tools.”
— Ноэль Брик и Скотт ДугласMotivation
“You can't wait for others to fulfill your dreams. They have their own dreams; they don't care about yours. Someone may want to help when they can, but in the end, it all depends on you. Surround yourself with the best, know your strengths and weaknesses, and let others do what they do best. But ultimately, the responsibility is still yours. Make a plan and execute it.”
— Тим ГроверConfidenceDisciplineWork and talent
“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.”
— Jim AfremovMotivationDisciplineCharacter and grit
“If your level isn't rising, it's falling.”
— Jim AfremovCharacter and grit
“All athletes suffer defeats, but champions don't dwell endlessly on failures. Instead, they focus on positive experiences and keep moving forward with confidence.”
— Jim AfremovMotivationDefeat and mistakesWinningCharacter and grit
“Fear is the enemy of productive work.”
— Jim AfremovDefeat and mistakesDisciplineFear and anxiety
“I don't train because I love training. I train because I love winning.”
— Рокки МарчианоWinningCharacter and gritWork and talent
“Is it raining? That doesn't matter. Am I tired? That's nonsense. When I must, I must.”
— Эмиль ЗатопекMotivationCharacter and grit
“Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't.”
— Джерри РайсCharacter and gritWork and talent
“Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships”
— Майкл ДжорданMotivationWork and talent
“In sport, as in life, what matters is not losing heart.”
— спортивная психологияMotivationDisciplineWork and talent

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.