I came across this poem recently and I thought it could have wide applications. As you read it, think about how it could apply to you, especially if you are a writer.
“The Man Who Thinks He Can.”
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t;
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s 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 can ever win a prize.
Love’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
That’s a good way to the think when writing. Writing can easily be discouraging. Every step of the process takes a long time and the fruits of your labors can be far down the road. Maybe you could change up the last few lines a bit to make it apply: “The publishing contract doesn’t always go, to the wiser or faster man, but sooner or later the author who wins, is the author who thinks he can.”
“The Man Who Thinks He Can.”
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t;
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s 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 can ever win a prize.
Love’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
That’s a good way to the think when writing. Writing can easily be discouraging. Every step of the process takes a long time and the fruits of your labors can be far down the road. Maybe you could change up the last few lines a bit to make it apply: “The publishing contract doesn’t always go, to the wiser or faster man, but sooner or later the author who wins, is the author who thinks he can.”
Books by Michael D. Young 