Literally falling on the ice and having to pick yourself up in front of thousands of people is not an easy thing to do. The thing that you learn is to pick yourself back up, to learn from your mistakes.
Michelle KwanRead
Sometimes my body is aching, but I always think, 'Why am I in this? Why do I love it so much?' That's what makes me persevere, that's what makes me keep on going.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the struggle of enduring physical pain for a passion, highlighting resilience and determination.
Michelle Kwan expresses the internal dialogue she has when experiencing physical discomfort related to her passion for skating. Despite the aches and pains, the love for her craft drives her perseverance, showcasing that genuine passion can motivate individuals to push through challenges and continue pursuing their goals.
In practice
During a motivational speech at a sports event.
Literally falling on the ice and having to pick yourself up in front of thousands of people is not an easy thing to do. The thing that you learn is to pick yourself back up, to learn from your mistakes.
I look back at 1993 or 1994 when I made it to the National Championships, and I was on used skates and handmade or borrowed costumes. But my mom was there every step of the way for me: she was the one traveling with me all over the world at age 13.
At 13, I was fearless. I looked at everything so positive. When you're older and been through it all, you know how bad it can get. There is a fear of failing.
In figure skating, you have four minutes to do your best. It's your time; you do your best.
Winning is not about how many medals you get-it's about accomplishing goals and just being the best you can be!
I don't really remember a time younger than 5 years old that I didn't have skates on because all I can remember is every day, tying up my skates and a big smile on my face, excited to go on the ice.
If the winds of fortune are temporarily blowing against you, remember that you can harness them and make them carry you toward your definite purpose, through the use of your imagination.
Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up.
Setting goals helps bring your future into your present and the present is the only time we can take action.
I never had one day that I didn't want to be on the ice, because I always had an objective for that day. I had a rigorous plan and schedule in place that I had to adhere to. It was a step-by-step process of slowly but surely inching toward the Olympic Games and using every day as a series of goals to be accomplished.
I believe that we can, in a deliberate way, articulate the kind of people we want to become.
To spend each day with some laughter and some thought, to get your emotions going. To be enthusiastic every day and as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, 'Nothing great could be accomplished without enthusiasm,' to keep your dreams alive in spite of problems whatever you have. The ability to be able to work hard for your dreams to come true, to become a reality.
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