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The Psychology of Winning: Ten Qualities of a Total Winner
“Read this book, follow the steps, and you too can attain the ‘Winner’s Touch.’”—Spencer Johnson, M.D., author of Who Moved My Cheese?
Dr. Denis Waitley, a national authority on high-level performance and personal development, reveals his formula for developing the ten qualities of a total
• Positive self-awareness • Positive self-esteem • Positive self-control • Positive self-motivation • Positive self-expectancy • Positive self-image • Positive self-direction • Positive self-discipline • Positive self-dimension • Positive self-projection
“A heavyweight among motivational writers.”—Charles Paul Conn, author of An Uncommon Freedom
Dr. Denis Waitley, a national authority on high-level performance and personal development, reveals his formula for developing the ten qualities of a total
• Positive self-awareness • Positive self-esteem • Positive self-control • Positive self-motivation • Positive self-expectancy • Positive self-image • Positive self-direction • Positive self-discipline • Positive self-dimension • Positive self-projection
“A heavyweight among motivational writers.”—Charles Paul Conn, author of An Uncommon Freedom
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1979
122 people are currently reading
4491 people want to read
About the author
Denis Waitley
166 books137 followersDenis E. Waitley was an American motivational speaker, consultant, and best-selling author known for shaping the personal development movement. He rose to prominence with the audio program The Psychology of Winning, which sold widely and influenced audiences worldwide, along with books such as Seeds of Greatness and The Winner’s Edge. A former naval aviator and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he later became involved in public relations and nonprofit fundraising before developing his success training programs. He served on advisory groups including the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Sports Medicine Council. He was inducted into the International Speakers Hall of Fame.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
February 24, 2021
Somewhat dated, and doesn't flow too quickly. However, fantastic points (from audio/workbook) :
——————
“Develop a very, very strong expectation to win.”
“Optimists always win. Optimism and realism are the problem solving twins.”
“We move in the direction of what we dwell on.”
“Tolerate little or no distraction from moving toward those goals.”
“You can't get rich if you keep worrying about your bills. Winners see risk as an opportunity. They see the reward of success in advance, and they don't see the penalties of failure. It is the dominant thought and motivation at the time of the fall that means everything. Losers panic. Winners relax, pick themselves up, brush themselves off… and do it all over again.”
“People dominated by stress are unable to change the world they live in. The world they live in dominates them.”
“Take the credit and the blame for your decisions openly. Especially take the credit, because you got yourself there.”
“The winners in life don't wait for invitations to make things happen.”
“The price you pay for winning is practice, practice, practice.”
“Habits are the attitudes which grow from cobwebs to cables.”
“Life is a DIY project.”
“The winners in life seem to have their minds made up automatically. They're propelled forward without hesitation because they and everyone else involved with them know where they're going, and know that nothing is permitted to block their path.”
“A bad life is just as difficult… as a good one. The only choice is the kind of life one would care to spend one's efforts on.”
“Winners are wide open to choices, and constantly look for a better way to live.”
“Conceit is God's gift to shallow people.”
“Winners understand that self~development is a lifetime program. School is never out for the winners.”
“Joy cannot be found outside of the self.”
“Winners say: ‘I'll make them glad they talked with me.’ “
“Winners have clearly defined, constantly referred to game plans and purposes. They know where they're going every day, every month, every year. Their objectives range from life~long goals to daily priorities. They understand the difference between goal~achieving and tension~relieving acts, concentrating on the former.”
“If you love yourself, then you can give love. How can you give what you don't have?”
“Winners have a deep down feeling of their own worth. They know that, contrary to popular belief, self~acceptance and deserving are not necessarily from wise, loving parents. History is full of saints rising from the gutters and literal monsters growing up in loving families. Winners aren't outer~directed.”
“When anyone pays you a compliment for any reason, accept the value paid with a simple, courteous ‘Thank you.’ "
“Keep upgrading your own standards in personal grooming, behavior, lifestyle, professional accomplishments, and relationships.”
“Winners live in harmony with their loved ones, their friends, and their communities.”
“Treat people more like brothers and sisters. Treat animals more like people. Treat nature more carefully and tenderly ~ she is precariously balancing our future survival.”
“By expecting the best, you are preparing yourself physically and mentally for the demands of winning.”
“Leadership ~ attracting other people's support and cooperation ~ is a natural byproduct of positive self~expectancy.”
“Winners say ‘I was good today. I'll be better tomorrow’ .”
“When you start a project, concentrate all your energy and intensity, without distraction, on the successful completion of that project.”
"For champions, [visualization is] the winning edge. Every time an athlete misses a shot, they immediately replay it in their imagination as a successful shot. They are master simulators. The simulations come true. In your imagination you can learn to never miss. Practice within, right before you go to sleep at night, in the shower, and whenever you have the free time."
"They who have conquered doubt and fear have conquered failure. Their every thought is allied with power." - J. Allen
"Winning individuals do not leave the development of their potential to chance. They pursue it systematically." - John Gardner
.
——————
“Develop a very, very strong expectation to win.”
“Optimists always win. Optimism and realism are the problem solving twins.”
“We move in the direction of what we dwell on.”
“Tolerate little or no distraction from moving toward those goals.”
“You can't get rich if you keep worrying about your bills. Winners see risk as an opportunity. They see the reward of success in advance, and they don't see the penalties of failure. It is the dominant thought and motivation at the time of the fall that means everything. Losers panic. Winners relax, pick themselves up, brush themselves off… and do it all over again.”
“People dominated by stress are unable to change the world they live in. The world they live in dominates them.”
“Take the credit and the blame for your decisions openly. Especially take the credit, because you got yourself there.”
“The winners in life don't wait for invitations to make things happen.”
“The price you pay for winning is practice, practice, practice.”
“Habits are the attitudes which grow from cobwebs to cables.”
“Life is a DIY project.”
“The winners in life seem to have their minds made up automatically. They're propelled forward without hesitation because they and everyone else involved with them know where they're going, and know that nothing is permitted to block their path.”
“A bad life is just as difficult… as a good one. The only choice is the kind of life one would care to spend one's efforts on.”
“Winners are wide open to choices, and constantly look for a better way to live.”
“Conceit is God's gift to shallow people.”
“Winners understand that self~development is a lifetime program. School is never out for the winners.”
“Joy cannot be found outside of the self.”
“Winners say: ‘I'll make them glad they talked with me.’ “
“Winners have clearly defined, constantly referred to game plans and purposes. They know where they're going every day, every month, every year. Their objectives range from life~long goals to daily priorities. They understand the difference between goal~achieving and tension~relieving acts, concentrating on the former.”
“If you love yourself, then you can give love. How can you give what you don't have?”
“Winners have a deep down feeling of their own worth. They know that, contrary to popular belief, self~acceptance and deserving are not necessarily from wise, loving parents. History is full of saints rising from the gutters and literal monsters growing up in loving families. Winners aren't outer~directed.”
“When anyone pays you a compliment for any reason, accept the value paid with a simple, courteous ‘Thank you.’ "
“Keep upgrading your own standards in personal grooming, behavior, lifestyle, professional accomplishments, and relationships.”
“Winners live in harmony with their loved ones, their friends, and their communities.”
“Treat people more like brothers and sisters. Treat animals more like people. Treat nature more carefully and tenderly ~ she is precariously balancing our future survival.”
“By expecting the best, you are preparing yourself physically and mentally for the demands of winning.”
“Leadership ~ attracting other people's support and cooperation ~ is a natural byproduct of positive self~expectancy.”
“Winners say ‘I was good today. I'll be better tomorrow’ .”
“When you start a project, concentrate all your energy and intensity, without distraction, on the successful completion of that project.”
"For champions, [visualization is] the winning edge. Every time an athlete misses a shot, they immediately replay it in their imagination as a successful shot. They are master simulators. The simulations come true. In your imagination you can learn to never miss. Practice within, right before you go to sleep at night, in the shower, and whenever you have the free time."
"They who have conquered doubt and fear have conquered failure. Their every thought is allied with power." - J. Allen
"Winning individuals do not leave the development of their potential to chance. They pursue it systematically." - John Gardner
.
October 12, 2012
I've read this book several times. The first being in college, while training for peer leadership programs. An amazing mentor and professor, Dr. David Brown had this book, among other greats, on the reading list. This book has been part of my self-evolution through and through. Raw, real, and in your face wake up call...to the true YOU, that has always been calling your name. Thumbs and toes up. Ready set, READ THIS BOOK!
January 13, 2010
I've never met Denis Waitley but I've seen him speak on many occasions. After reading "The Psychology of Winning" I can see why he has been a trainer of Super Bowl and Olympic athletes, Apollo astronauts, and Fortune 500 executives. While training these winners, he was no doubt able to find what makes a winner "tick". This resulted in the writing of this book.
From Positive Self-awareness to Positive Self-projection, Dr. Waitley explains their meaning and uses real life examples to drive the point home. He didicates a chapter to each of ten qualities of a total winner. At the end of each chapter he gives a review. He then writes out a list of action items for the reader to improve that particular quality. The action items make this a book that cannot be returned to the bookshelf after having been read. Like Dr. Waitley says at the end of his "wrapup" --- "So now that you've read it - go out and do it."
From Positive Self-awareness to Positive Self-projection, Dr. Waitley explains their meaning and uses real life examples to drive the point home. He didicates a chapter to each of ten qualities of a total winner. At the end of each chapter he gives a review. He then writes out a list of action items for the reader to improve that particular quality. The action items make this a book that cannot be returned to the bookshelf after having been read. Like Dr. Waitley says at the end of his "wrapup" --- "So now that you've read it - go out and do it."
February 6, 2013
first came across the works of Denis Waitley in late 1996, as I began my first steps towards entrepreneurship. It was via audio tape, which contained most if not all of the contents of this book, nonetheless, here was a complete stranger telling Me: I could succeed, I could achieve, I could do things encouragement I was not getting from my immediate family, my peers, my "friends" at that time
Someone once said: You will become like the information you input into your mind and the people you associate with. If that's the truth, then, I am indeed one step closer to where I wish to be in my life, and YOU can be there, too
Someone once said: You will become like the information you input into your mind and the people you associate with. If that's the truth, then, I am indeed one step closer to where I wish to be in my life, and YOU can be there, too
April 20, 2014
This book was written in the late 1970s so there are references to the Vietnam War, OJ Simpson and beta max players but don't let this deter you. There is still great content in the book that any sales professional can glean information from.
The term "winners" and "winning" has been transformed into a sort of joke in late life thanks to people like Charlie Sheen and movies like Little Miss Sunshine. The sugar-sweet false facade seems to be a thing people do to pump themselves up and not live in reality. This sort of thing annoys me. And though you may think this book is such a concept it isn't that at all.
Though the author does use the terms "winners" vs "losers" I like the contrasting writing style showing both habits because the sum of our lives is in reality what we do daily. Habits are the key vehicle in how we create our world. Denis Waitley shows what habits "winners" do vs "losers". What this boils down to is a way to conduct yourself in a more thoughtful fashion rather than pitting yourself as better than somebody. This book is about being in competition with yourself.
As a result this book is a kind of blueprint in how a person can take things to the next level. It is a book on awareness more than anything and covers a lot of ground in the almost 200 pages. A must read for anybody looking for growth in themselves and their life. This is a book you will highlight and come back to and read again.
The term "winners" and "winning" has been transformed into a sort of joke in late life thanks to people like Charlie Sheen and movies like Little Miss Sunshine. The sugar-sweet false facade seems to be a thing people do to pump themselves up and not live in reality. This sort of thing annoys me. And though you may think this book is such a concept it isn't that at all.
Though the author does use the terms "winners" vs "losers" I like the contrasting writing style showing both habits because the sum of our lives is in reality what we do daily. Habits are the key vehicle in how we create our world. Denis Waitley shows what habits "winners" do vs "losers". What this boils down to is a way to conduct yourself in a more thoughtful fashion rather than pitting yourself as better than somebody. This book is about being in competition with yourself.
As a result this book is a kind of blueprint in how a person can take things to the next level. It is a book on awareness more than anything and covers a lot of ground in the almost 200 pages. A must read for anybody looking for growth in themselves and their life. This is a book you will highlight and come back to and read again.
December 25, 2023
Excellent read and already one of my all time fav rags to riches stories... Right up there with think and grow rich this one I think but easier to follow and some sound succeess principles, 5 stars as typically found when I read dennis's book
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P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
September 23, 2016
This one is definitely a little bit outdated. Thus you should turn a blind eye to some of the examples Waitley provides for why his theories are true. Nevertheless this was a nice quick read and I think that it's important to take some time to think about what we want from life and how we can achieve it. The act of reflecting on it already has a positive effect on us. Even if we think we know a lot about what it takes to win it's still important to refresh some of the things and become more aware of them. I'd say that it would be important to talk about self improvement already in school because it makes all of us better and happier which is just as important.
May 7, 2008
Good book, although I suspect I'll get a lot more out of it if I read it several times! Especially fond of the chapter about health and the mental control we can exert it...
October 7, 2021
Waitley has grouped his advice around 10 qualities of a winner (positive self-awareness, positive self-esteem, positive self-control, positive self-motivation, positive self-expectancy, positive self-image, positive self-direction, positive self-discipline, positive self-dimension, positive self-projection) and his advice is really great. No science, but common sense.
A very motivational and enjoyable read!
A few false facts were a bit confusing such as "Winston Churchill was a poor student". No, he wasn't. He was British aristocracy and grew up in wealth and in a palace. He may have experienced some financial scarcity as a student - I am not familiar with all of his biography -, but he certainly didn't experience "real" scarcity around money nor did he ever grow up among a corresponding mindset. He sure is a role model in many respects, but certainly not for overcoming poorness.
A very motivational and enjoyable read!
A few false facts were a bit confusing such as "Winston Churchill was a poor student". No, he wasn't. He was British aristocracy and grew up in wealth and in a palace. He may have experienced some financial scarcity as a student - I am not familiar with all of his biography -, but he certainly didn't experience "real" scarcity around money nor did he ever grow up among a corresponding mindset. He sure is a role model in many respects, but certainly not for overcoming poorness.
January 28, 2018
This is great stuff. Although this book tackles themes that have been addressed in earlier and more comprehensive books, there are few books as good as this in terms of streamlining the necessary data important in transforming one's psychology towards positivity in thought and in deed.
April 10, 2020
A great book that I feel everyone should read. A nice short book. It isn’t a psychology book it’s more of a description on how winners act more than the way they think.
June 27, 2025
I thought this was a great book. There are so many self-help books now days. This one was written in the late 1970's and its words are timeless. Sometimes the old self-help books like this one are the best, because if their words stand the test of time, they are more likely more than just a fad or popular way of living right now. Go out and be a winner because there is no time to lose!
February 5, 2016
This very short work outlines what the author has defined as the 10 qualities of a winner. While the chapters define each quality and then offer steps to take action to develop/reinforce these qualities it seemed to me that several of the qualities were indistinguishable from each other. The book offers good advice and is aptly named since the action steps are very oriented towards the psychology of winning and a general application of the actions suggested. Still a good read, that includes many great ideas of the mindset necessary to keep a winning attitude (the overall theory being that a winning attitude, reinforced by actions that support the attitude will eventually lead to a winning outcome) The book stresses goal setting, taking positive actions, and having the proper perception of your role in these actions - in a nut shell " your behavior and performance usually are consistent with your self-image." This is a good reminder of concepts that can be easily forgotten with the daily demands placed on us all; I will go back to many of the chapters from time to time as a good reminder of these concepts.
May 8, 2017
Stay ahead of change.
Adapt to the the C's (Change complexity and competition)
Become a lifelong learner.
Be a proactive innovator (10% of population)
You are your own financial security.
Losers let things happen, winners make things happen.
Winners believe they are in charge of their life.
Develop a simple, affirmative self talk vocab about yourself.
Adapt to the the C's (Change complexity and competition)
Become a lifelong learner.
Be a proactive innovator (10% of population)
You are your own financial security.
Losers let things happen, winners make things happen.
Winners believe they are in charge of their life.
Develop a simple, affirmative self talk vocab about yourself.
January 15, 2008
EXCELLENTE!!!
February 10, 2009
helped me have a more positive outlook on life. A must read!
August 30, 2010
Good book. A lot of examples. Inspiring.
November 10, 2010
An intellectual self help classic. With a step by step program for changing your life. One of the best!
August 9, 2023
"The Psychology of Winning" by Denis Waitley is a classic self-help book that delves into the mindset and strategies behind achieving success in various aspects of life. Waitley, a renowned motivational speaker, and author, provides readers with valuable insights into the psychology of high achievers and the principles that can propel individuals toward their goals.
One of the book's key strengths is its emphasis on the importance of mindset. Waitley underscores how success begins with a positive and goal-oriented mindset. He explains that winners focus on their aspirations and visualize their desired outcomes, creating a mental framework that drives their actions. Through anecdotes and real-life examples, he effectively illustrates how cultivating a winning mentality can lead to greater achievements.
Waitley also addresses the significance of setting clear goals. He outlines practical steps for defining goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks, and tracking progress. By doing so, he provides readers with a blueprint for translating their dreams into actionable plans, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
Moreover, the book explores the concept of self-worth and self-esteem. Waitley underscores that self-belief and a strong sense of worthiness are pivotal in overcoming obstacles and setbacks. He offers strategies for building self-confidence and silencing the inner critic, empowering readers to push through challenges with resilience.
"The Psychology of Winning" is not only about personal success; it also touches on interpersonal skills. Waitley discusses effective communication, relationship building, and the value of understanding and empathizing with others. These insights contribute to a well-rounded approach to achieving success that considers individual growth and positive interactions with the world.
Denis Waitley's "The Psychology of Winning" is a motivational guide that offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the principles that underlie success.
Through its focus on mindset, goal-setting, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills, the book equips readers with practical strategies for achieving their aspirations. Waitley's engaging writing style and relatable anecdotes make this book an inspiring and informative read for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.
One of the book's key strengths is its emphasis on the importance of mindset. Waitley underscores how success begins with a positive and goal-oriented mindset. He explains that winners focus on their aspirations and visualize their desired outcomes, creating a mental framework that drives their actions. Through anecdotes and real-life examples, he effectively illustrates how cultivating a winning mentality can lead to greater achievements.
Waitley also addresses the significance of setting clear goals. He outlines practical steps for defining goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks, and tracking progress. By doing so, he provides readers with a blueprint for translating their dreams into actionable plans, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
Moreover, the book explores the concept of self-worth and self-esteem. Waitley underscores that self-belief and a strong sense of worthiness are pivotal in overcoming obstacles and setbacks. He offers strategies for building self-confidence and silencing the inner critic, empowering readers to push through challenges with resilience.
"The Psychology of Winning" is not only about personal success; it also touches on interpersonal skills. Waitley discusses effective communication, relationship building, and the value of understanding and empathizing with others. These insights contribute to a well-rounded approach to achieving success that considers individual growth and positive interactions with the world.
Denis Waitley's "The Psychology of Winning" is a motivational guide that offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the principles that underlie success.
Through its focus on mindset, goal-setting, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills, the book equips readers with practical strategies for achieving their aspirations. Waitley's engaging writing style and relatable anecdotes make this book an inspiring and informative read for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.
December 8, 2025
The Psychology of Winning is a book by Dr. Denis Waitley that describes ten traits of a ‘Winner,’ or someone who is successful in life as defined in the book. It explains that success isn’t in objects or completing milestones, but rather can be found by enjoying the journey of life. Each chapter has a summary that can be reviewed easily with 10 things someone can do right now to start developing that trait.
I have loved reading this book because it’s short and truthful. The whole book is pocket sized so not at all daunting, and the chapters themselves are very short and concise. The book has a nice structure with the first page being a definition of the character trait in that chapter, then a 7-9 page general discussion of the chapter including stories, statistics, and general advice, then a 1-2 page summary at the end that goes over the most important aspects and finally 10 steps you can take to develop that character trait. The structure is easy to follow and makes it more interesting and easy to read. Now, no matter how nice the structure is, the book would be useless unless it was actually truthful. Dr. Denis Waitley has done a lot of research and has studied this topic greatly for many decades. His methods have improved my life, the lives of four of my siblings and my dad. The traits that he talks about and the way to go about developing them are truly the way to become a well-developed, happy, and successful human-being. I wish there were more references and citations in the book, however, so I can fact-check the information in it.
I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to and is willing to put in the work to become a better, happier, and more successful person.
I have loved reading this book because it’s short and truthful. The whole book is pocket sized so not at all daunting, and the chapters themselves are very short and concise. The book has a nice structure with the first page being a definition of the character trait in that chapter, then a 7-9 page general discussion of the chapter including stories, statistics, and general advice, then a 1-2 page summary at the end that goes over the most important aspects and finally 10 steps you can take to develop that character trait. The structure is easy to follow and makes it more interesting and easy to read. Now, no matter how nice the structure is, the book would be useless unless it was actually truthful. Dr. Denis Waitley has done a lot of research and has studied this topic greatly for many decades. His methods have improved my life, the lives of four of my siblings and my dad. The traits that he talks about and the way to go about developing them are truly the way to become a well-developed, happy, and successful human-being. I wish there were more references and citations in the book, however, so I can fact-check the information in it.
I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to and is willing to put in the work to become a better, happier, and more successful person.
September 25, 2023
From the author of The One Minute Manager teaches the 10 qualities of a "total winner" (1979):
1. Positive self-awareness
2. Positive self-esteem
3. Positive self-control
4. Positive self-motivation
5. Positive self-expectancy
6. Positive self-image
7. Positive self-direction
8. Positive self-discipline
9. Positive self-dimension
10. Positive self-projection
Review
Before there was Tony Robbins, there was Dr. Dennis Waitley.
Full of pithy, motivational one-liners, this book delineates the one thing successful "winners" have that "losers" do not: a positive attitude. "You are either the captive or the captain of your thoughts." "Winning is coming in fourth, exhausted and encouraged, because last time you came in fifth." I'm sure Ted Lasso would have gobbled this up.
"Talent is cheap. ...Education is not cheap, but it's for sale. ...You can panel your den with diplomas. But the world is full of educated derelicts, unable to relate to supportive roles with others. ...Not aptitude...attitude is the criterion for success. But you can't buy attitude for one million dollars."
A delightful read, but occasionally cheesy due to its age. The cheese, however, was offset by the irrefutable truths conveyed. If you are in a motivational slump in life and need something to help you feel empowered to cut through the b.s., do yourself a favor and study this manual over the course of a year.
1. Positive self-awareness
2. Positive self-esteem
3. Positive self-control
4. Positive self-motivation
5. Positive self-expectancy
6. Positive self-image
7. Positive self-direction
8. Positive self-discipline
9. Positive self-dimension
10. Positive self-projection
Review
Before there was Tony Robbins, there was Dr. Dennis Waitley.
Full of pithy, motivational one-liners, this book delineates the one thing successful "winners" have that "losers" do not: a positive attitude. "You are either the captive or the captain of your thoughts." "Winning is coming in fourth, exhausted and encouraged, because last time you came in fifth." I'm sure Ted Lasso would have gobbled this up.
"Talent is cheap. ...Education is not cheap, but it's for sale. ...You can panel your den with diplomas. But the world is full of educated derelicts, unable to relate to supportive roles with others. ...Not aptitude...attitude is the criterion for success. But you can't buy attitude for one million dollars."
A delightful read, but occasionally cheesy due to its age. The cheese, however, was offset by the irrefutable truths conveyed. If you are in a motivational slump in life and need something to help you feel empowered to cut through the b.s., do yourself a favor and study this manual over the course of a year.
June 5, 2025
"And fear is a very real goal, but it’s a goal going in the opposite direction to where we want to go. It’s looking through the rearview mirror. Fear makes us do things because of something bad that will happen, and fear makes us not do things because we’re inhibited by the fact that we might fail. Fear does keep us alive in dangerous situations, but it motivates us in the wrong direction.
Fear is compulsion, but desire is propulsion; fear is inhibition, but desire is ignition. These are the strongest driving forces in our minds. Winners dwell on the reward of success or the desired result."
I really love this part of the book... it feels so personal. It’s like it put into words something I’ve felt for a long time.
Sometimes I hesitate with decisions that could help me grow… not because I don’t want to, but because fear quietly holds me back. I worry about failing, about not being enough.
But I also know… I can’t let that stop me.
I want to move forward. I want to choose growth. Even if it’s scary, I want to be proud of myselffor being brave.
Because in the end, I’m not trying to win for anyone else…
I just want to be the winner in my own mind. 🌿
Fear is compulsion, but desire is propulsion; fear is inhibition, but desire is ignition. These are the strongest driving forces in our minds. Winners dwell on the reward of success or the desired result."
I really love this part of the book... it feels so personal. It’s like it put into words something I’ve felt for a long time.
Sometimes I hesitate with decisions that could help me grow… not because I don’t want to, but because fear quietly holds me back. I worry about failing, about not being enough.
But I also know… I can’t let that stop me.
I want to move forward. I want to choose growth. Even if it’s scary, I want to be proud of myselffor being brave.
Because in the end, I’m not trying to win for anyone else…
I just want to be the winner in my own mind. 🌿
November 6, 2024
This wasn't quite what I was expecting to read when I picked this book, but it's ok. Way more self-help and touchy feely than anticipated. Waitley defines winning like I do, but I was actually hoping for a different perspective...because frankly I don't feel like I'm winning lately. One comment, because this was written in 1979... he had such bright hopes for the future, and sorry none of it came true for you Denis.
The Ten Qualities of Winners:
You know who you are and what you bring to the table
You like who you are and believe in yourself
You have the ability to control yourself (he goes a step further with some psychosomatic shit...but you get the general idea here)
You know you can do things and therefore do them (Motivation)
You expect yourself to succeed
You know how the world sees you
You know where you're going
You know how you fit in the world
You bring your best self every day and help others
The Ten Qualities of Winners:
You know who you are and what you bring to the table
You like who you are and believe in yourself
You have the ability to control yourself (he goes a step further with some psychosomatic shit...but you get the general idea here)
You know you can do things and therefore do them (Motivation)
You expect yourself to succeed
You know how the world sees you
You know where you're going
You know how you fit in the world
You bring your best self every day and help others
January 5, 2019
"So powerful and frequent are the slick, dramatic portrayals of the most revolting human biographies that society is methodically being transformed by example, into a working model for losers"
At first the book seemed dated however, after a chapter or 2 you get past that and into some very good content. It spends most of the book covering the qualities of winners, how to apply them, and how to not be a loser. It also often references problems in society and how America is creating weaker, instead of stronger generations.
If you are easily offended by a book pointing out how you may be a loser...suck it up and read this anyway!
"All individuals are not born equal. Some are cursed and some are blessed with their hereditary uniforms. Equality is not nature's way. The equal right to become unequal by choice is the natural cycle"
At first the book seemed dated however, after a chapter or 2 you get past that and into some very good content. It spends most of the book covering the qualities of winners, how to apply them, and how to not be a loser. It also often references problems in society and how America is creating weaker, instead of stronger generations.
If you are easily offended by a book pointing out how you may be a loser...suck it up and read this anyway!
"All individuals are not born equal. Some are cursed and some are blessed with their hereditary uniforms. Equality is not nature's way. The equal right to become unequal by choice is the natural cycle"
August 16, 2020
TL;DR Think like a winner, be a winner
Waitley emphasizes the importance of having a winning attitude to cultivate the determination and mental fortitude to reach your goals. Winners set realistic, measurable goals to achieve and keeping setting more once they have achieved them. Setbacks are expected and seen as minor.
Having been written in 1986, the writing was a little tedious at times.
"Success is the progressive realisation of goals that are worthwhile to the individual and other people as well"
"The person who does not read is no different from the person who cannot read"
Waitley emphasizes the importance of having a winning attitude to cultivate the determination and mental fortitude to reach your goals. Winners set realistic, measurable goals to achieve and keeping setting more once they have achieved them. Setbacks are expected and seen as minor.
Having been written in 1986, the writing was a little tedious at times.
"Success is the progressive realisation of goals that are worthwhile to the individual and other people as well"
"The person who does not read is no different from the person who cannot read"
April 8, 2018
I listened to the Nightingale program and took notes and these are some pretty good ideas on how to be a winner in life.
One of the qualities of a winner as Denis Waitley suggests is positive self expectancy and that's immediately applicable as a practice by creating expectations for the experiences in your life.
I gave it 5 stars because I feel as if I am better off having listened to this than not. It has a great reputation in the personal development and professional development community because it provides a great role model of winning to emulate.
One of the qualities of a winner as Denis Waitley suggests is positive self expectancy and that's immediately applicable as a practice by creating expectations for the experiences in your life.
I gave it 5 stars because I feel as if I am better off having listened to this than not. It has a great reputation in the personal development and professional development community because it provides a great role model of winning to emulate.
December 2, 2019
For a traditional self-help book, the work is well organized and detailed. The book lists ten principles of personal development that characterizes winners. After each chapter, the book even lists to-do items for the reader in order to apply the book's principles to life. On its own the book, the Denis Waitley's work is solid read. In the context of my faith, I must add that nothing can be done without the Lord's help. Anyone who is seeking to change his or her life for the better, must get that help from above. I rate the book four stars out of five.
December 9, 2025
Although written a while ago--these principles are indeed universal and always relevant.
It is good to see a book that helps us see things differently--in such a way that, without ignoring what is really happening, it provides the correct perspective so that we do not lose hope and keep plugging along.
This is an excellent book for just about anyone--it can only do good to you. We should definitely read it more than once--as we need to practice what's in it--not juts read it and understand it.
It is good to see a book that helps us see things differently--in such a way that, without ignoring what is really happening, it provides the correct perspective so that we do not lose hope and keep plugging along.
This is an excellent book for just about anyone--it can only do good to you. We should definitely read it more than once--as we need to practice what's in it--not juts read it and understand it.
February 10, 2020
A book to boost your self-esteem and motivation. A truly inspiring and very American book. Nonetheless some “facts” in this book are outdated, since new findings disproved them (like trying to cut ones sleep for more productivity). But the message of this piece remains relevant; your psyche sets its limitations and expectations and this book tells you some real handy instructions how to get the most out of yourself.
January 23, 2021
One of the best books in understanding the mind-set of winners. Denis discusses about Positive Self-awareness, Self-esteem, Self-control, Self-motivation , Self-expectancy, Self-image,
Self-discipline, Self-dimension.
Enjoyed the book thoroughly. Specially the last section of every chapter where the author provides some actions that can be taken to ensure that the lessons taught are well assimilated.
Self-discipline, Self-dimension.
Enjoyed the book thoroughly. Specially the last section of every chapter where the author provides some actions that can be taken to ensure that the lessons taught are well assimilated.
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