100+ Famous Michael Jordan Quotes on Winning & Success

Here is an ultimate collection of the 100+ most famous Michael Jordan quotes on winning, success, practice, teamwork, hard work, life, and more.

Let’s dive right in.

Best Michael Jordan Quotes of All Time

Here are some of the best quotes from Michael Jordan that you can use for inspiration and motivation.

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I cannot accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

“My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.” – Michael Jordan

“I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.” – Michael Jordan

“To be successful you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don’t isolate.” – Michael Jordan

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“Sometimes, things may not go your way, but the effort should be there every single night.” – Michael Jordan

“Ultimately, if you can say that I’m a bad owner and we’re winning championships, I can live with that. But if we’re not making the playoffs and we’re spending and losing money, then I have to look in the mirror and say maybe I’m not taking the necessary steps to doing what it takes to run an organization.” – Michael Jordan

“Limits, like fear, is often an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

“In college I never realized the opportunities available to a pro athlete. I’ve been given the chance to meet all kinds of people, to travel and expand my financial capabilities, to get ideas and learn about life, to create a world apart from basketball.” – Michael Jordan

“I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.” – Michael Jordan

“I’m not out there sweating for three hours every day just to find out what it feels like to sweat.” – Michael Jordan

“I want to wake up every day and do whatever comes in my mind, and not feel pressure or obligations to do anything else in my life.” – Michael Jordan

“My challenge when I came back was to face the young talent, dissect their games, and show them maybe that they needed to learn more about the game than just the money aspect.” – Michael Jordan

“I want people to understand, gambling is not a bad thing if you do it within the framework of what it’s meant to be, which is fun and entertaining.” – Michael Jordan

“I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot… when you think about the consequences you always think of a negative result.” – Michael Jordan

“I’d like to be settled into somewhat of a normal life. Somewhat. I know it’s never going to be completely normal.” – Michael Jordan

“I believe greatness is an evolutionary process that changes and evolves era to era.” – Michael Jordan

“Even when I’m old and grey, I won’t be able to play it, but I’ll still love the game.” – Michael Jordan

“If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit!” – Michael Jordan

“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

“The minute you get away from fundamentals – whether it’s proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation – the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.” – Michael Jordan

“I’ve never lost a game, I just ran out of time.” – Michael Jordan

“It’s heavy duty to try to do everything and please everybody. My job was to go out there and play the game of basketball as best I can. People may not agree with that. I can’t live with what everyone’s impression of what I should or what I shouldn’t do.” – Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Quotes About Basketball

Michael Jordan’s best quotes on basketball.

“The minute you get away from fundamentals–whether its proper technique, work ethic, or mental preparation–the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.” – Michael Jordan

“If you do the work, you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life.” – Michael Jordan

“The basketball court for me, during a game, is the most peaceful place I can imagine. On the basketball court, I worry about nothing. When I’m out there, no one can bother me.” – Michael Jordan

“When I step onto the court, I don’t have to think about anything. If I have a problem off the court, I find that after I play, my mind is clearer and I can come up with a better solution. It’s like therapy. It relaxes me and allows me to solve problems.” – Michael Jordan

“They don’t need a ticket to watch you sitting on a bench. They can go to your house for that.” – Michael Jordan

“My body could stand the crutches but my mind couldn’t stand the sideline.” – Michael Jordan

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

“You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.” – Michael Jordan

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

“Everybody has talent, but ability takes hard work.” – Michael Jordan

“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

“I would tell players to relax and never think about what’s at stake. Just think about the basketball game. If you start to think about who is going to win the championship, you’ve lost your focus.” – Michael Jordan

“Every time I feel tired while I am exercising and training, I close my eyes to see that picture, to see that list with my name. This usually motivates me to work again.” – Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Quotes About Success

Here are some inspirational quotes by Michael Jordan about success.

“One day, you might look up and see me playing the game at 50. Don’t laugh. Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

“To be successful, you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don’t isolate.” – Michael Jordan

“In college, I never realized the opportunities available to a pro athlete. I’ve been given the chance to meet all kinds of people, to travel and expand my financial capabilities, to get ideas and learn about life, to create a world apart from basketball.” – Michael Jordan

“To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail.” -Michael Jordan

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

“My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.” – Michael Jordan

“If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit!” – Michael Jordan

“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

“If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.” – Michael Jordan

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” – Michael Jordan

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan

“I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life I had to be aggressive. I had to get out there and go for it.” – Michael Jordan

“I can’t speak for the future. I have no crystal ball.” – Michael Jordan

“The minute you get away from fundamentals – whether it’s proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation – the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.” – Michael Jordan

“I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot… when you think about the consequences you always think of a negative result.” – Michael Jordan

“Don’t let them drag you down by rumors, just go with what you believe in.” – Michael Jordan

“If it turns out that my best wasn’t good enough, at least I won’t look back and say I was afraid to try.” – Michael Jordan

“You have competition every day because you set such high standards for yourself that you have to go out every day and live up to that.” – Michael Jordan

“Be true to the game, because the game will be true to you. If you try to shortcut the game, then the game will shortcut you. If you put forth the effort, good things will be bestowed upon you. That’s truly about the game, and in some ways that’s about life too.” – Michael Jordan

“It is easy to choose a path of anonymity and lead an empty life. But to strive hard and lead an impactful life, one needs a burning desire to realize dreams.” – Michael Jordan

“It’s heavy duty to try to do everything and please everybody. My job was to go out there and play the game of basketball as best I can. People may not agree with that. I can’t live with what everyone’s impression of what I should or what I shouldn’t do.” – Michael Jordan

“I know fear is an obstacle for some people, but it is an illusion to me. Failure always made me try harder the next time.” – Michael Jordan

“Champions do not become champions when they win an event, but in the hours, weeks, and months, and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely a demonstration of their championship character.” – Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Quotes On Teamwork and Goal Setting

Michael Jordan quotes about Teamwork and Goal Setting for when you need a dose of motivation.

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” – Michael Jordan

“There is no ‘i’ in team but there is in win.” – Michael Jordan

“I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.” – Michael Jordan

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” – Michael Jordan

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

“Sometimes, things may not go your way, but the effort should be there every single night.” – Michael Jordan

“The game has its ups and downs, but you can never lose focus of your individual goals and you can’t let yourself be beat because of lack of effort.” – Michael Jordan

“I hope the millions of people I’ve touched have the optimism and desire to share their goals and hard work and persevere with a positive attitude.” – Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Quotes On Hard Work and Dedication

A collection of motivational quotes on hard work and dedication from Michael Jordan.

“I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.” – Michael Jordan

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

“To be successful you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don’t isolate.” – Michael Jordan

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.” – Michael Jordan

“Winning isn’t always championships.” – Michael Jordan

“Be true to the game, because the game will be true to you. If you try to shortcut the game, then the game will shortcut you. If you put forth the effort, good things will be bestowed upon you. That’s truly about the game, and in some ways that’s about life too.” – Michael Jordan

“Don’t let them drag you down by rumors just go with what you believe in.” – Michael Jordan

“Once I made a decision, I never thought about it again.” – Michael Jordan

“It is easy to choose a path of anonymity and lead an empty life. But to strive hard and lead an impactful life, one needs a burning desire to realize dreams. ” – Michael Jordan

“The good part about being famous is being able to help people. The hard part is every day you have to be in a good mood, because that is what people expect. You learn to get good at it.” – Michael Jordan

“Sometimes, things may not go your way, but the effort should be there every single night.” – Michael Jordan

“If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit!” – Michael Jordan

“Sometimes you need to get hit in the head to realize that you’re in a fight.” – Michael Jordan

“I built my talents on the shoulders of someone else’s talent.” – Michael Jordan

“I believe greatness is an evolutionary process that changes and evolves era to era.” – Michael Jordan

“In any investment, you expect to have fun and make money.” – Michael Jordan

“My heroes are and were my parents. I can’t see having anyone else as my heroes.” – Michael Jordan

“I wasn’t really a work-conscious type of person. I was a player. I loved to play sports.” – Michael Jordan

“Being Michael Jordan means acting the same as I always have.” – Michael Jordan

“I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life I had to be aggressive. I had to get out there and go for it.” – Michael Jordan

“I realize that I’m black, but I like to be viewed as a person, and this is everybody’s wish.” – Michael Jordan

“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

“My father used to say that it’s never too late to do anything you wanted to do. And he said, ‘You never know what you can accomplish until you try.” – Michael Jordan

“I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot… when you think about the consequences you always think of a negative result.” – Michael Jordan

“The game has its ups and downs, but you can never lose focus of your individual goals and you can’t let yourself be beat because of lack of effort.” – Michael Jordan

“You have competition every day because you set such high standards for yourself that you have to go out every day and live up to that.” – Michael Jordan

“I want to wake up every day and do whatever comes in my mind, and not feel pressure or obligations to do anything else in my life.” – Michael Jordan

“Live the moment for the moment.” – Michael Jordan

“I’m not out there sweating for three hours every day just to find out what it feels like to sweat.” – Michael Jordan

“My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.” – Michael Jordan

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

“It’s absolutely wrong that I don’t want guys to challenge me. And the people who say that aren’t in the room.” – Michael Jordan

“They don’t need a ticket to watch you sitting on the bench. They can go to your house for that.” – Michael Jordan

”I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results.” – Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Motivational Quotes

Here are some of the best motivational quotes from Michael Jordan to push you towards your path of success.

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”- Michael Jordan

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” – Michael Jordan

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”- Michael Jordan

“My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.” – Michael Jordan

 “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

 “To be successful you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don’t isolate.” – Michael Jordan

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

“If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit!” – Michael Jordan

“Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation.” – Michael Jordan

 “Everybody has talent, but ability takes hard work.” – Michael Jordan

 “To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail.” – Michael Jordan

“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

“Don’t let them drag you down by rumors just go with what you believe in.” – Michael Jordan

“Make it happen”- Michael Jordan

“If you do the work you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life.” – Michael Jordan

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

 “Once I made a decision, I never thought about it again.” – Michael Jordan

 “The minute you get away from fundamentals – whether it’s proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation – the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.” – Michael Jordan

“The key to success is failure.” – Michael Jordan

 “Learning’s a gift, even when pain is your teacher.” – Michael Jordan

“Failure is acceptable. but not trying is a whole different ball park.” – Michael Jordan

“I play to win, whether during practice or a real game.” – Michael Jordan

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“I want to be perceived as a guy who played his best in all facets, not just scoring. A guy who love challenges.” – Michael Jordan

“I built my talents on the shoulders of someone else’s talent.” – Michael Jordan

“Even when I’m old and gray, I won’t be able to play it, but I’ll still love the game.” – Michael Jordan

“I know the signs of scaredness.” – Michael Jordan

“It’s absolutely wrong that I don’t want guys to challenge me. And the people who say that aren’t in the room.” – Michael Jordan

“Live the moment for the moment.” – Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Inspirational Quotes

Inspirational Michael Jordan quotes to help us get through hard times.

“Winning has a price and leadership has a price.” – Michael Jordan

“One day you might look up and see me playing the game at 50. Don’t laugh. Never say never. Because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

“The problems we face didn’t happen overnight and they won’t be solved tomorrow, but if we all work together, we can foster greater understanding, positive change and create a more peaceful world for ourselves, our children, our families, and our communities.” – Michael Jordan

“I had always set short-term goals. As I look back, each one of the steps or successes led to the next one.” – Michael Jordan

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” – Michael Jordan

“You feel better about the effort when you win.” – Michael Jordan

“Failure is acceptable, but not trying is a whole different ballpark.” – Michael Jordan

“I built my talents on the shoulders of someone else’s talent. I believe greatness is an evolutionary process that changes and evolves era to era.” – Michael Jordan

“The only way to relieve that pressure is to build your fundamentals, practice them over and over, so when the game breaks down, you can handle anything that transpires.” – Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan quotes on limits

Be motivated by these Michael Jordan quotes on limits.

“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.”  – Michael Jordan

“You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan quotes on life and choices

Quotes on life and choices by Michael Jordan to keep you inspired and motivated.

“Once I made a decision, I never thought about it again.” – Michael Jordan

“Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation.” – Michael Jordan

“If you quit once, it becomes a habit. Never quit!” – Michael Jordan

“I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot … when you think about the consequences, you always think of negative results.” – Michael Jordan

FAQs | Top Michael Jordan quotes

Here are some frequently asked questions about Michael Jordan quotes.

Final thoughts on the best Michael Jordan quotes

I hope you enjoyed this epic list of the best inspirational Michael Jordan quotes.