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    “The Olympics allow for expression of the human passion that resides, too often dormant, in every moment of life, from the monumental, to the mundane. We watch the games not as spectators but as fellow participants in our hearts. We indulge the fantasy that we have something great in us. The athletes we idolize are masters of the same internal fire that you and I possess. In every facet of life, there is an opportunity to assert the Olympic spirit—the victorious spirit—to push for achievement previously not thought possible and dare to dream.”

    Bert R. Mandelbaum, MD, via The Win Within (Page 44)

    Samurai Decor / Incense Holder

      [MMQ ♥’s] Samurai Decor / Incense Holder

      Why We ♥ It: Not only can these miniature terracotta samurai warrior statues be used as incense holders, but they can bring a powerful martial reminder to any room—symbolically representing values such as honor, courage, discipline, respect, and indomitable spirit. And because they can be used with incense, they can also have a calming, presence-of-mind effect.

        “‘These are my dreams! Why live if I abandon them in difficulty? That is when they need me the most.’ Have you ever said those words? Have you ever accessed the victorious spirit within? Because here’s the secret: it’s resting within you, right at this very moment.”

        Bert R. Mandelbaum, MD, via The Win Within (Page 35)

          “It is best not to drink too deeply from a cup full of fame. It can be intoxicating, and intoxicated people often do foolish things.”

          John Wooden, via The Win Within (Page 31)

            “We all do this. Instead of using our minds to solve problems, we set it to work on problems that don’t exist. Instead of using it to move forward, we use it to look backward, pouring over what already happened. Instead of using it to feel good, we use it to torture ourselves. How crazy is that? And how counterproductive? You have been given an incredibly powerful too—this brain and imagination of yours. But like a gun or a knife, it can just as easily harm the user as it can protect or serve them. We have to train and discipline ourselves, we have to direct these resources properly. We have to channel our creativity not into fear and anxiety, but into purpose and progress.”

            Ryan Holiday

              “One of the things I’ve observed is that the trademark of a triumphant spirit is that it declares itself not only in the good times but in the absolute worst times as well.”

              Bert R. Mandelbaum, MD, via The Win Within (Page 27)

                “No one invites adversity into their lives, and while you can’t always be as prepared for it as you would like to be, the victorious spirit enables you to turn this bad luck into opportunity. Adversity is never the end, but rather a catalyst for you to push yourself further than you may have even thought possible. You simply need to unlock the victorious spirit.”

                Bert R. Mandelbaum, MD, via The Win Within (Page 24)

                  “Many people seem to think it foolish, even superstitious, to believe that the world could still change for the better. And it is true that in winter it is sometimes so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say, ‘What do I care if there is a summer; its warmth is no help to me now.’ Yes, evil often seems to surpass good. But then, in spite of us, and without our permission, there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts. One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw. And so I must still have hope.”

                  Vincent van Gogh

                    “Two is twice as good as one, but one is infinitely better than zero.

                    • One minute of making sales calls is infinitely better than zero minutes.
                    • One minute of meditation is infinitely better than zero minutes.
                    • One minute of writing is infinitely better than zero minutes.

                    Sure, it might be ideal to spend an hour doing these things, but one minute gets you in the game. Now you’re learning. Now you’re improving. Now results are possible. One doesn’t seem like much, but it’s something real. At zero, you’re still dreaming.”

                    James Clear

                      “Compete externally and you compare. Compete internally and you improve.”

                      James Clear

                        “We should all feel ownership of the history of our species and understand that the very specific genetic makeup that helped our ancestors succeed is still very much present in us. When we start regarding ourselves as born athletes and natural survivors, we’re in a better position to overcome the challenges of life and reach our peaks.”

                        Bert R. Mandelbaum, MD, via The Win Within (Page 19)