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This is a stunning quote by Muhammad Ali that talks about two valuable aspects. The first one is about the ability to dream, visualise and work towards them. The second part is about having the skill. They both are important to success. At some point, they cross the barrier of one being better than the other. They act together and get you to a special place – that place of being a champion.

Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill. – Muhammad Ali Quotes

Champions aren’t made in gyms, they are made from something deep inside

Champions are different. They are different because they do something beyond what others will. It is not just the physical aspect of doing something. What’s more powerful is the internal aspect – the mind which travels well beyond what others do. Everyone goes to the gym – but the champions are those who do this, but also something beyond that takes them to the next level (Dreams transform into thoughts, actions and results)

Champions aren’t made in the gyms

It seems that they are. These are places of discipline where we build muscle. However, physical strength and practice are only a part of the process. Everyone does this. But only some people go beyond this. They test the limits and find a way to become a champion. It is not just because they do what’s told. But they know how to push the boundaries.

These boundaries might appear external. But all these boundaries and limitations are internal. It starts in the mind first. But what counts the most is what we believe in. And the rest is easy. Once we can convince ourselves, we can find ways to make things happen.

They have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision

The champions are different. They have something stronger deep inside them. The desire, dream and vision can make you do something different. They travel far beyond what the eyes can see. The champions are ordinary men who become these champions in the process. It is all in the mindset that enables us to go beyond what we see. It challenges the real world and limitations that others see to prove things that they can’t. And that’s where the beauty of being a champion lies. It is something internal, special and deep within that becomes a part of your character.

The will must be stronger than the skill

The game of being a champion goes well beyond the game of skill. Most people in the world will have skills. They all practice and work hard for the game that they love. But there are varied levels of work, right? You can’t win by having the same things that your opponent has. You need to find something more unique to establish yourself as a champion. (Hard work beats talent)

They have to have the skill

The skill is like a table stake. You must have the talent to compete or even play the same game. Most of your competitors will have this skill set. But what sets you apart is something beyond this skill. Your leverage and finding something so special and unique about you can set you apart. To find this uniqueness, you must bring out your will into action.

The will must be stronger than the skill

The will to do something special and be a champion is sensational. It will constantly ask you to think differently. It will keep pestering you to find out what’s so unique about you and why you’re destined to become a champion. There’s a joy in finding that uniqueness. If you push strong enough and constantly believe in this, show perseverance, it will shine a light on this ability.

You are a champion first internally and later the external manifests. The will in this case becomes stronger than the skill. It will make use of all that skill to bring out something even more valuable. But it can’t happen without the skill. In other words, the gyms are important but they won’t be enough.