Since he first fought his way to public attention, Muhammad Ali has been regarded as the most charismatic and polarizing athletes of all time. At 22, he came out of nowhere to become heavyweight champion of the world, but he was soon stripped of his title and exiled from the ring because he refused to fight in the Vietnam War. It took 3 years for the ban to be lifted. In an Epic comeback, he beat the odds, to become
It took 3 years for the ban to be lifted. In an Epic comeback, he beat the odds, to become champion of the world again. He was never afraid to speak his mind about sports, politics, race, religion or life in general. His stance on many sensitive issues caused a lot of controversy, but also made him the inspiring larger than life figure he is today.
Top 10 Muhammad Ali Quotes That Will Motivate You:
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”― Muhammad Ali
“It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe.”― Muhammad Ali
“The man who has no imagination has no wings.”― Muhammad Ali
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”― Muhammad Ali
“I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.”― Muhammad Ali
“I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”― Muhammad Ali
“Don't count the days, make the days count.”― Muhammad Ali
“Inside of a ring or out, ain't nothing wrong with going down. It's staying down that's wrong.”― Muhammad Ali
“To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.”― Muhammad Ali
“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 the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”― Muhammad Ali
I leave you with a bonus quote that should encourage you to be ambitious and think big. Its is longer, but it's so amazing, almost every part can be quoted:
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
To learn more about Ali's mindset I recommend everyone to read The Greatest: My Own Story. In his excellent autobiography, Ali reveals a good deal about himself. This book does a great job of going inside Ali’s mind. Reading the book feels like sitting with Ali alone and hearing him answer all the questions you ever wanted to ask him.
Woman holding her child's clothing.Marla Branyan / @marla_branyan
