Skip to content

Athlete Quote by Jesse Owens

“One day or another every athlete feels like taking it easy. He stops trying to exceed his limits, and thinks he can keep winning because of his lucky star, or the bad luck of his opponents. You must overcome this negative instinct, which affects all of us, and which is the only difference between…” quote by Jesse Owens
Download Open image
“One day or another every athlete feels like taking it easy. He stops trying to exceed his limits, and thinks he can keep winning because of his lucky star, or the bad luck of his opponents. You must overcome this negative instinct, which affects all of us, and which is the only difference between the person who wins a race, and those who lose. This is the battle you have to fight every day of your life.”

Jesse Owens

About This Quote

Source Speech: Motivational Talk on Athletic Discipline, 1946

The quote warns against complacency after early success, urging continuous effort to avoid stagnation and defeat.

In simple terms: Don't get lazy after winning; keep pushing limits.

Key Takeaway

Maintain relentless drive despite past victories.

Themes

sports motivation psychology

Mood

inspirational determined

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • training routines
  • goal setting
  • mental resilience

Key Concepts

complacency self‑discipline

Questions to Reflect On

  • What habits keep you from becoming complacent?
  • How do you measure progress beyond wins?
A Different Perspective

Overcoming complacency requires constant self‑challenge.

2.3 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Jesse Owens

Explore all 57 Jesse Owens quotes

More Athlete quotes

Browse all 2,455 Athlete quotes