I think that at the start of a game, you're always playing to win, and then maybe if you're ahead late in the game, you start playing not to lose. The true competitors, though, are the ones who always play to win.
Interpretation
Competing to win is key, even when ahead; true competitors always strive for victory.
In this quote, Tom Brady emphasizes the mindset of a true competitor, suggesting that while one may play defensively when in a favorable position, the essence of competitiveness is rooted in the relentless pursuit of victory. The greatest athletes focus on winning regardless of circumstances, showcasing a commitment to excellence that defines their character and drive.
In practice
In a motivational speech for a sports team before a big match.
You can't score if you're turning it over. It's like a punt. If you go out and you punt 12 times, you're not scoring points. That's not good. So, when you turn the ball over and throw interceptions, you're giving the other team more opportunities and your team less opportunities.
I don't go to bed at 1 A.M. and wake up at 5 A.M. and say, 'Let's see if I can get this done today.'
It's a real strength for me that I've never minded the training process. It's something I enjoy. I really like being in the gym or, certainly, on the field.
The true competitors, though, are the ones who always play to win.
Mentally, the only players who survive in the pros are the ones able to manage all their responsibilities. Everybody struggles in different ways.
You can't go out and practice average on Wednesday, average on Thursday, okay on Friday and then expect to play well on Sunday.
Unswerving loyalty to duty, constant devotion to truth, and a clear conscience will overcome every discouragement and surely lead the way to usefulness and high achievement.
Failure is... the highway to success.
If the 'Post' can play the role of a connector between the West and the East, I have confidence in the paper's future success.
Playing the game is a form of winning the game. In those competitions, we win by being resilient.
The man who has won millions at the cost of his conscience is a failure.
To win Best Director at Sundance was beyond anything I could have imagined for myself. It's still an incredible feeling to know I won. But as happy as I am about winning, I also know many other women of color have directed amazing films over the years that were equally deserving and didn't win.
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