I don't think you ever will yourself to win. I think you prepare yourself the best you can, get yourself in the best mindset you can get in, and go after it.
Interpretation
Winning comes from preparation and a positive mindset rather than sheer willpower.
Jack Nicklaus emphasizes that success is not solely achieved by a strong will, but through thorough preparation and cultivating a positive mindset. Rather than simply wanting to win, one must actively prepare and position oneself mentally to pursue success effectively.
In practice
During a motivational speech at a sports event.
There's more to be learned here [St. Andrews] about course design than anywhere. Collection bunkers, false fronts, bump shots. The fundamentals of design became fundamental because of what's here. And it happened accidentally. Or maybe accidentally on purpose.
Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.
I'm a firm believer that in the theory that people only do their best at things they truly enjoy. It is difficult to excel at something you don't enjoy.
A big part of managing a golf course is managing your swing on the course. A lot of guys can go out and hit a golf ball, but they have no idea how to manage what they do with the ball. I've won as many golf tournaments hitting the ball badly as I have hitting the ball well.
All I ever wanted to do was play competitive golf against the best players in the world.
I don't think about winning the Masters as part of the slam. You want to win the Masters because of what it means to the game.
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.
I refer to my hands, feet and body as the tools of the trade. The hands and feet must be sharpened and improved daily to be efficient.
I know what I want when I start a marathon: to win! But what do you want? Make sure you're clear in advance and don't go out too fast.
You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.
When the Iron doesn't want to come off the mat, it's the kindest thing it can do for you. If it flew up and went through the ceiling, it wouldn't teach you anything.
The way you see your future determines your thinking today. You're thinking today determines your performance today. Your performance in the today of your life determines your future.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.