The only person who can stop you from reaching your goals is you.
Interpretation
You are your own greatest obstacle to achieving your goals.
This quote emphasizes the idea that self-doubt and personal limitations are often the biggest hurdles in the pursuit of one's objectives. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and mindset, suggesting that overcoming internal barriers is key to success.
In practice
During a motivational speech at a school assembly.
Winning is great, but being able to finish my last Olympic Games on American soil was very important. Even though I was injured, I didn't let my psyche get the best of me and cause me to doubt myself, so I was willing to pull every muscle in my body in '96 in order to get the job done and I came away with the bronze medal.
We live in a world where sports have the potential to bridge the gap between racism, sexism and discrimination. The 2012 Olympic Games was a great start but hopefully what these games taught us is that if women are given an opportunity on an equal playing field the possibilities for women are endless.
The 2012 London Olympic Games fostered a generation of hope. I witnessed women participating for the very first time, representing every nation.
It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.
I set my sights on making an Olympic team, not realizing how tough it was going to be.
There are many women who came before me who didn't really have the same opportunities that I have had. That's why I always wanted to be a great ambassador - not only today's generation - but for the women who really didn't have a voice, but who paved the way for me.
The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today...There is no such thing as a setback. The lessons I learn today I will apply tomorrow, and I will be better.
Matilda said, "Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it's unbelievable.
We have within us, a power that is greater than anything we shall ever contact in the outer, a power that can overcome every obstacle in our life and set us safe, satisfied and at peace, healed and prosperous, in a new light, and in a new life.
Every situation can be substantially improved; even the sky is not the limit.
The necessity to constantly turn in an excellent performance, to be absolutely wedded to this dedication and this ideal means that as a child you're going to pay for it personally.
If you're not sure what to do with the ball, just pop it in the net and we'll discuss your options afterwards.
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