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I know fear is an obstacle for some people, but it is an illusion to me . . . Failure always made me try harder next time.
Michael Jordan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Fear can hinder some, but it is not a reality for everyone. Failure can be a powerful motivator to improve and try again.

Michael Jordan's quote emphasizes the idea that fear is a subjective experience, often seen as an obstacle by many, but for him, it is just an illusion. He reflects on failure not as a permanent setback but as an opportunity for growth; he believes that each failure propels him to perform even better in the future, highlighting a resilient mindset towards challenges.

Themes

FearFailureMotivationIllusionGrowthResilience

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to young athletes to encourage them not to be hindered by fear of failure.

More from Michael Jordan

I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.
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There are no shortcuts. I approached practices the same way I approached games. You can't turn it on and off like a faucet. I couldn't dog it during practice and then, when I needed that extra push late in the game, expect it to be there. Very few people get anywhere by taking shortcuts.
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Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
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If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
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Don't be like me. Be better than me. That's the goal.
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Success isn't something you chase. It's something you have to put forth the effort for constantly. Then maybe it'll come when you least expect it. Most people don't understand that.
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