A message for everyone

By Submitted to Corner Post

A person can learn plenty of interesting history and pick up a surprising amount of useful insight at livestock shows, stockyards and other agricultural events. It was at a banquet following a cattle show that I first heard the following poem. Written by Walter Wintle more than 100 years ago, the message is timeless, and it speaks to every one of us — 4-Her, prominent businessman, retiree or anyone in between.

If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don’t.

If you like to win, but you think you can’t,

It is almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost.

For out of the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow’s will.

It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you are 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.

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster man.

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.