Words to Live By

I just got done reading Serena Williams' autobiography. Well more like skimming through it because although she is an amazing athlete with an interesting life, she isn't much of a writer. Even with the help of a professional writer, I gave up on the line by line read in the middle of the second chapter.
But I did go through the whole book slowing down for the highlights. Athletes fascinate me because they focus on one thing day in and day out, ignoring pain and boredom to reach whatever goal they've set for themselves. They 'just do it.' Which is why I could never be an athlete because my motto is 'I'll do it- later.'
For Serena Williams and sister Venus, mottoes were a crucial part of training. Their dad used to post signs around the tennis courts while they practiced, like 'think it, be it,' or 'believe' or 'you are a winner.' He also had his daughters keep a play book that they were supposed to write in everyday. 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.' I don't know if mottoes are what turned them into champions, but it didn't stop them either.
Earlier this week I finished the autobiography of comedian Craig Ferguson. He is a good writer, so I read every word. He also peppered the book with mottoes like 'between safety and adventure, I choose adventure,' and 'prepare for glory by failing until you don't.' Once again, did mottoes help him achieve success?
So now I am looking around for a suitable motto. It's the least I can do.
Nancy Sherer