For me, I like to imagine being successful. I like to imagine the end, which is success. I envision it, where I can actually see it happening. Going into the ring, seeing the fight happen, seeing me winning that belt, seeing me back in my dressing room celebrating with a slice of cake, which I always had. And the same with meetings. I do prepare though; that confidence comes from preparation, because that fear is in the back of your head of not doing well, of not saying the right thing or having the right information. That's where the preparation comes in for me.
Laila AliSometimes your worst hits in life wind up being your best advantage. If only you could believe that when you're getting hit.
Laila AliMaybe if I completely shaved my head and get the frost out of my moustache, maybe I could get one of those serious acting jobs.
Laila AliIf you're passionate about something, you believe in it, then you have to be consistent. And you have to put in the hard work that it takes to be successful.
Laila AliIf I'm not prepared, I don't feel confident. It's something that you can have control of. You deserve what it is you're going after as long as you've done the work that needs to be done to prepare for it. You can't just have your hand out!
Laila AliThe wrestling, even though I would only wrestle for 15 or 20 or 30 minutes at a time, and it would look like that was the only time I was in it, was really a 24-hour job. Keeping yourself alive, reinventing yourself, staying physically in shape, the traveling, all the other commitments with being a wrestler, it was a crossover situation where it became sports entertainment and you actually became a media star, so it was very demanding.
Laila Ali