Poem

 

If you think you are beaten, you are,

If you think that you dare not, you don't,

If you'd like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost,

For out in the world you'll find

Success begins with a fellow's will -

It's all in the state of mind.

 

Full many a race is lost

ere even a step is run,

And many a coward falls

ere even his work's 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 are out-classed, 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 man who thinks he can.

Walter D. Wintle