My grandfather was quick with advice, but it’s a poem about self belief that stayed with me | Josh Nicholas

In this series, Guardian writers share the best advice they've ever received and how it's impacted their lives since

My grandfather was a prolific collector of aphorisms and inspirational quotes. Failing to plan is planning to fail" is tattooed on the brains of my entire family, he said it so much. But it was one poem (of the many) he often recited about self-belief that has really stayed with me.

If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you'd like to win, but think you can't
It is almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost
For out in this world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.