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About this quote

What does it mean?
Second or third place is not winning. Only first place counts as victory.
In plain terms
Coming in second or third is not the same as winning.
What can you take from it?
Aim for first place, not just a medal.

Where it applies

  • sports
  • career advancement
  • project goals

Putting it to work

  • set high standards
  • define what winning means

Questions to consider

  • Is second place ever good enough?
  • What defines success for you?

Another view

Second place can still be a meaningful achievement depending on context.

More from Robert F. Kennedy

  1. Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be wri…

    Permalink to quote #34
  2. I believe that, as long as there is plenty, poverty is evil.

    Permalink to quote #36
  3. Fear not the path of truth, for the lack of people walking on it.

    Permalink to quote #33

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