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.
Haile GebrselassieRead
First, do enough training. Then believe in yourself and say: I can do it. Tomorrow is my day. And then say: the person in front of me, he is just a human being as well; he has two legs, I have two legs, that is all. That is mentally how you prepare.
Interpretation
Believe in yourself and prepare mentally for challenges.
Haile Gebrselassie's quote emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and self-belief in achieving success. By recognizing that everyone is human and facing similar challenges, we can empower ourselves to overcome obstacles and approach tomorrow with confidence.
In practice
Motivational speech at a sports event.
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 must do as your people do. If my people are poor, I must be poor. People ask me, 'Why don't you find a personal coach or a private car?' I can't. Then I won't be part of my people.
I will always listen to my coaches. But first I listen to my body. If what they tell me suits my body, great. If my body doesn't feel good with what they say, then always my body comes first.
You know the marathon in my country is just exceptional. It's like soccer in England. If England win the world cup and Ethiopia win the marathon - it's the same.
Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard work to get you there.
The marathon always starts after 30K. That's where the problems start. You start without any problems, without any pain. All the pain comes after 30K. Sometimes, it's possible to have pain even in the finger.
The number one cause of failure in this country is the fear of failure.
Skills are cheap. Passion is priceless.
Focus on your dream and do everything in your power. You have the power to change your life circumstances.
We will stomp to the top with the wind in our teeth.
I never think: 'If I crash, I'm going to hurt myself.' I might think: 'If I crash, I'm not going to win.' Everything's about that finish line.
Setting goals helps bring your future into your present and the present is the only time we can take action.
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