This is a poem that I had to memorize as a plebe at the United States Naval Academy. I share it with you – BUT – it was back when the Naval Academy was an all-male institution.
That is the case no longer.
I have tried to make the poem more gender-neutral, but when I do that, it just doesn’t rhyme.
So I ask that you understand that the poem applies to all – and feel its power since it applies to you.
All In the State of Mind
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you would like to win, but don’t think you can,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t!
–
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world you find –
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.
–
Full many a race is lost
Ere ever a step is run;
And many a coward fails
Ere even his work has begun.
–
Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small and you’ll fall behind,
Think that you can and you will!
It’s all in the state of mind.
–
If you think you’re outclassed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You ever can win a prize.
–
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later, the man who wins,
Is the fellow who thinks he can!
