Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, is known not just for his unmatched skills on the court, but for his strong work ethic, determination, and leadership.
His journey through triumphs and setbacks offers valuable lessons that go beyond sports and into everyday life.
In this collection of the most inspiring Michael Jordan quotes, you’ll find words that push you to keep striving, whether you’re chasing a personal goal or working with a team to achieve something bigger.
List Of 30 Quotes by Michael Jordan On Life
MJ Quotes About Success & Work Ethic
- “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.”

- “You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way.”
- “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.”
- “To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail.”

Motivational & Inspirational MJ Quotes
- “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.”

- “Having potential is not a guarantee of winning, but showing perseverance might be.”
- “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen.”
- “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.”

- “Don’t let them drag you down by rumors just go with what you believe in.”
- “Heart is what separates the good from the great.”
- “If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit!”

Michael Jordan Quotes on Failure
- “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.”

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

- “Learning is a gift, even when pain is your teacher!”
- “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you will never change the outcome.”
- “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 Quotes on Teamwork & Leadership
- “On good teams, coaches hold players accountable; on great teams, players hold players accountable.”

- “Teaching is using the strengths of the group to form the discipline needed to accomplish the team’s goals.”
- “If nobody will help you, do it alone! There is no ‘i’ in team, but there is ‘I’ in WIN!”
- “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”

- “A big part of what makes talent work is humility and being a part of a team.”
- “If you think and achieve as a team, the individual accolades will take care of themselves.”
Michael Jordan Quotes That Reflect His Personality
- “I know fear is an obstacle for some people, but it is an illusion to me. Failure always made me try harder next time.”

- “In reality, I never want to grow up.”
- “Once I made a decision, I never thought about it again.”
- “I’m Patient.”

- “I like control.”
- “I want to be the bridge to the next generation.”
End Note
Michael Jordan’s words are as impactful today as they were during his blazing NBA career. They remind us that success doesn’t come without challenges, but it’s through hard work, persistence, and collaboration that we achieve our best. Whether you’re facing failure, striving for excellence, or learning to work with others, I hope these Michael Jordan quotes provide the motivation to push forward and keep improving!