Motivational Messages

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Anson shares his favorite quotes that he’s collected over 60 years. Available via SMS, Whatsapp or email.

Motivational Message Example:

Man in the Arena

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." —Theodore Roosevelt.

Anson’s thoughts on this: This quote from Theodore Roosevelt encapsulates the essence of what it means to truly commit oneself to a cause, to embrace the struggle, and to find value in the effort itself, regardless of the outcome. It speaks to the heart of what I believe in as a coach and mentor.

The arena is a metaphor for any challenging endeavor, whether on the soccer field, in the classroom, or life. It's about being fully engaged, giving everything you have, and understanding that the journey is as important as the destination. When Roosevelt talks about the man "whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood," he highlights the physical and emotional toll of striving for greatness. This isn't about playing it safe or avoiding failure; it's about diving headfirst into the fray, knowing you will face setbacks and obstacles. The true measure of a person is not in their victories alone but in their willingness to keep pushing forward, to learn from their mistakes, and to continue striving valiantly.

The phrase "who errs and comes up short again and again" acknowledges that failure is an inevitable part of the process. It's not the failure itself that defines us but how we respond to it. Do we pick ourselves up, analyze what went wrong, and return stronger? This resilience, this relentless pursuit of improvement, is what separates the true champions from those who merely dabble. Roosevelt's mention of "great enthusiasms" and "great devotions" underscores the passion and dedication required to excel. It's about being deeply committed to your goals, finding joy in the process, and being willing to invest your time, energy, and heart into something meaningful.

This level of devotion is what fuels the drive to keep going, even when the odds are against you. Finally, the idea of "daring greatly" is a call to action. It’s about taking risks, stepping out of your comfort zone, and being willing to face failure head-on. Those who dare greatly are the ones who push the boundaries, who innovate, and who ultimately achieve greatness.

They understand that true success is not just about winning but about the courage to strive for something bigger than themselves. In essence, this quote is a powerful reminder that the journey, with all its trials and tribulations, is what truly shapes us. It’s about being in the arena, giving your all, and daring to dream big.

How do you relate to the concept of daring greatly in your own life or endeavors? Ponder this concept. Then, write a page about daring greatly in your journal.

How can you implement this into your life?