My dad, Coach Jimmy Miller, lead the Cornell University wrestling team from 1949-1975. All the years I was growing up, he had posted on the wall of the Teagle Hall wrestling room on the Cornell campus this poem. Many years later it’s still one of my favorites!:
The Man Who Thinks He can
by Walter D. Wintle
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t
It’s almost a cinch that you won’t
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.
2 Responses
Love this! Haven’t seen it or thought of it for a while — great reminder! Thanks!
Saw them read this on The Talk. Very good. I am going to keep this one handy. Thank you