Mary Lou Retton Quotes

Each one of us requires the spur of insecurity to force us to do our best.

Some people don't like competition because it makes them work harder, better.

I like pressure. Pressure is good.

Competition gives me energy. It keeps me focused.

Everybody who knows me is like, 'Dude, you've got to chill out.' I can't not work, given where I want to be.

When I first went to work... I had over me an impetuous, hustling man. It was necessary for me to be up to the top notch to give satisfaction. I worked faster than I otherwise would have done, and to him I attribute the impetus that I acquired.

Motivation is simple. You eliminate those who are not motivated.

People often say that stress is a motivator. What we're referring to when we say this is really better described as stimulation and engagement.

Fortunately, I'm known as the hardest-working woman in showbiz, not to compete with James Brown. I've always been a multi-tasker.

I would say I thrive in a competitive environment.

With competition everyone has to try harder.

Whatever you see - any good results - are all from the pressure.

I'd much rather have that pressure than be at the end of the field and no one expecting you to win. That's the kind of pressure that you've got to enjoy and love.

I actually love pressure.

Me, personally, I thrive under pressure.

I think that is when guys are at their best: when you put pressure and have something to work towards and have something to compare yourself to or try to best them, it really does make you better.

Competing makes me that much more driven and, honestly, I perform better under pressure.

I like a little pressure. That's how football goes.

Under pressure is something I thrive on.

I am one of these characters who seems to thrive off a little bit of niggle, a little bit of pressure.

For me, every other actor is a threat, and it makes me work hard.

To be the top guy throughout my life and my career, to have people coming at me every game, giving me their best shot - that's part of the reason I went to Duke. I love that stuff.

Some players need pressure to get the best out of themselves.

Pressure makes me perform better.

I don't mind competition at all. I mean, the record business is the most competitive business in the world, probably. So I'm used to that. In a weird way, it kind of makes you work harder.