Page 39 - Think Like a Champion

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DONALD J. TRUMP
learning to think ahead, to be prepared, and to cover their bases.
These are basic ingredients for success in business.
When I started out in business, I spent a great deal of time re-
searching every detail that might be pertinent to the deal I was in-
terested in making, and I still do the same today. People often
comment on how quickly I operate, which is true. But the reason
I can move quickly is that I’ve done the background work first,
which often no one sees. Just because you don’t see someone
working doesn’t mean they haven’t been working in their spare or
private time. I prepare myself thoroughly, and then when it is time
to move ahead, I am ready to sprint.
Being able to think on your feet is the result of training and
discipline.You can’t sprint unless you have built up the strength to
do so. Building the stamina is up to you. If you don’t work at it,
it’s not going to happen by wishful thinking.You have to dedicate
yourself to it every day. In other words, set a goal and work toward
it. Athletes know that no one else can do the training for them,
and business people should have the same discipline. You have to
be self-reliant.
Have you ever said to yourself, “I wish I’d thought of that!”?
I’ve heard people say that when they come across something very
clever or something fantastic. One way to learn to think on your
feet is to ask yourself what you should be thinking of this very
moment. Do it right now, and then see other people saying, “I wish
I’d thought of that—what a great idea!” You’d be surprised how
many good ideas you might have if you’d give yourself the op-
portunity to think about them.Thinking takes time. It’s the prepa-
ration for being able to think on your feet. First things first: First
we walk, then we run, then we sprint.
Thoreau said, “I know of no more encouraging fact than the
unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious en-
deavor.” That is not only an encouraging statement, it is also an

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