Here's a quote from Muhammad Ali, wich I stumbled upon (actually stumbled upon that is), and it really appealed to me. I belive it contains wisdom that can be applied to much more than boxing.. (It is sead to be a famous quote, but I've never heard it before) ;
"The fight is won or lost, far away from witnesses. It is won behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights"