Sample Essay

　　Physical strength being equal, the greatest success depends very much on the mental attitude.  Beyond the undeniable importance of the power of the physical state, what matters in any sport event is the positive philosophy that expels the negative thoughts and feelings which might influence one's actions and behavior. It may be argued that the positive mental attitude is key to success about which it is the strongest beating the strongest rather than the stronger beating the weaker.

　　With the positive mental attitude, a strong individual could beat another strong individual, and a powerful team could beat another powerful team. It is partly because of that kind of philosophy which creates an optimistic disposition in every competition, and which attracts positive changes and increases achievement.  In other words, it is a state of mind that continues to seek ways to win or find a desirable outcome, regardless of the circumstances.  Such philosophy, of course, opposes defeatism and hopelessness that could weaken the physical strength of the individuals and teams.  So, to achieve the greatest success in sports, nothing is more important than the spirit of victory in the face of a worthy rival. In fact, the competition of the will power is exactly why many a major sport event, such as tennis or judo or boxing, and baseball or football or basketball, may become so exciting and surprising and heartening, or otherwise downright humiliating.

　　Independent of the attitude in whatever mental state, there is nothing dramatic about the usually obvious fact that the stronger can easily triumph over the weaker. But, not vice versa.  Accordingly, it is proper to say that an interesting sport event is the competition of the mental attitude along with the physical strength being demonstrated by the individuals and teams.  This view underlines the significance of the positive mental attitude when it comes to facing challenges in competition because in the more sensational games there are no substitutes for victories.  For example, the matches among the world's star athletes or elite teams are real fun not because of the disparity in the physical strength but because of the difference in the mental attitude leading to the right or wrong strategies.  With that winning spirit, the strong may become more overwhelming.

　　On the whole, the competitions in sports between the strongest and the strongest never fail to catch the eyes of those people who are fond of watching neck-to-neck games.  However, in order to win, having positive thoughts and optimistic feelings should be a decisive factor in favor of the individuals and teams alike, although the physical strength is always a plus. Finally, a motto for success in sports: be mentally positive as well as physically strong! (Jeenn Lee Hsieh)