THINKING, by Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are; 
If you think you dare not, you don’t. 
If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t, 
It is almost a cinch you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost; 
For out in this world we find
Success begins with a person’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 the prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go 
To the stronger or faster man; 
But sooner or later the person who wins 
Is the one who thinks he can!

Our doubts are traitors
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.
“Shakespeare” (Edward De Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford)