Psychology

My biggest fear isn't the fight itself. I don't get nervous about the physical aspect of fighting. My nervousness stems from the fear of losing, not living up to my own expectations of victory in front of an audience.

My discipline lies in taking full responsibility; I don't blame anyone else. If I lose, it's on me to accept and address it. The very next day in the gym, I start working on what went wrong.

I firmly believe that a certain level of strength and mental discipline is a prerequisite to excel in this sport. It's a challenging path, requiring years to adapt to the physical impacts, injuries, stringent diets, and discipline. You either love it or you hate it, and those who love it, do it.

My drive to excel comes from a desire to be the best I can, not just for myself but also for those around me. I aim to perform at my peak every time I play.

England rugby player, flanker, Six Nations champion

There have been times when I've been on the sidelines, dreading a gruelling running session, wondering why I'm doing this. But then I remember my teammates are all pushing through the same challenges. That collective effort helps me to buckle down and just get on with it.

England rugby player, flanker, Six Nations champion

I've always regarded pressure as a privilege, and I still stand by that belief. Playing for England is more than just a responsibility; it's an opportunity to excel and contribute to a legacy.

England rugby player, flanker, Six Nations champion

Rugby is unique compared to other sports and aspects of life. It involves a physical intensity where you're running full force into an opponent who's doing the same to you. This element creates a deeper bond within the team, as you're literally putting your body on the line for your teammates.

England rugby player, flanker, Six Nations champion

Play is a mock version of these activities, allowing us to experiment and understand how they work and interconnect. Questions like 'What if I did it this way?' arise in play, exploring different possibilities.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

I do believe there's something fundamentally essential about free play—the open-ended combination of elements not confined by a narrow context. This concept is vital not only to humanity but to life itself.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

Mental wellness is an unwavering commitment to reality, regardless of the cost. Trauma, in this light, can be a powerful teacher, offering a stark glimpse of reality, a contrast to the daily bombardment of trivial concerns.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

I learned that even if I lost every limb, my core identity – a hardworking, competitive, fun-loving person – would remain intact. My physical abilities as an amputee changed, but not my fundamental self. It was a powerful realization: my true essence is untouchable.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

Ultimately, when my time comes, my aspiration is to be greeted by God's approval, hearing Him say, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.' Stripping away all else, that is the essence of success to me.

I recall a moment when my dad and I, lacking presents, salvaged chairs from a community dumpster, a testament to our determination to make the best of our situation without any sense of pride or entitlement. His willingness to do whatever was necessary for us taught me resilience.

Bystander effect isn't necessarily due to a lack of willingness or ability to make a difference. Rather, the real challenge stems from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the issues we're passionate about. They're vast, and against them, we often feel insignificant.

The objective isn't to become the world number one; it's about consistently reaching your best or performing adequately in moments that matter to you.

My advice is not to shy away from it but to anticipate and even embrace it. Consider it a signal that what you're facing is important and that you're eager to excel. This perspective allows you to channel your nervous energy into a productive question: 'What am I going to do about it?'