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.
I don't play with a lot of finesse. I usually play like I'm breaking out of jail!
Set your target and keep trying until you reach it.
Hard work beats all the tonics and vitamins in the world.
Keep your eyes on the finish line and not on the turmoil around you.
Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought.
The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly; who know the great enthusiasums, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at best know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
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