We are a product of the choices we make, not the circumstances that we face.
When you want to encourage a greater sense of responsibility in others (and yourself) emphasize the anticipation of accomplishment, not the penalties for failure.
Challenges are inevitable, Defeat is optional.
Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.
If you enter a race and finish last, you are a winner. The loser never entered the race.
Coasting only takes you downhill.
Life's inevitable changes are like a compulsory roller-coaster ride. You can cower and shut your eyes tight, or you can exult in the thrills.