Believing in Yourself

Confidence isn't something a kid is born with — it's built, one small win at a time. This week's quotes span from a Roman emperor to a boxer to a talking bear, and each one reminds young readers of the same truth: the person you already are is enough to begin.

Theodore Roosevelt

> Believe you can and you're halfway there.

26th U.S. President, 1858–1919

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A.A. Milne

> You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

Author of Winnie-the-Pooh, 1882–1956

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Ralph Waldo Emerson

> What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

American essayist and philosopher, 1803–1882

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Marcus Aurelius

> The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, 121–180 CE

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Muhammad Ali

> It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.

Three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, 1942–2016

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Try This at Home or in the Classroom

Read Christopher Robin's line out loud. Ask: "When have you been braver than you thought you could be?" Write it down together.

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