Seven Athletes Share How to Overcome Mistakes

From sports to relationships to work, we all make mistakes at some point. It can be tempting to give ourselves a hard time, and those errors can become major obstacles for us to overcome.

When we make mistakes, it’s important to make amends, forgive ourselves and move on. These seven legendary athletes and coaches have a lot of wisdom to share about moving past our failures.

"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes."

-- John Wooden, College Basketball Coach

It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”

–Vince Lombardi, NFL Football Coach

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”

–Michael Jordan, Basketball Player

“What do do with a mistake: recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it.” –Dean Smith, Basketball Coach

“Be bold. If you’re going to make an error, make a doozy, and don’t be afraid to hit the ball.”

–Billie Jean King, Tennis Player

“I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat.”

– Tom Landry, NFL Player and Coach

“Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.”

– Matt Biondi, U.S. Olympic Swimmer