11 Affirmations Inspired By "King Richard" (As Well As Serena And Venus Williams)

A cheat sheet to get on Serena and Venus Williams' mental level!

King Richard is the 2021 biopic that depicts the journey to stardom for tennis players Serena and Venus Williams. Although the movie shows the sisters' early years, it mainly focuses on their father, Richard Williams, and his methods for making their success happen.

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These methods don't only focus on their physical training but also highlight the importance of mental training. Throughout the film, Richard, who is portrayed by Will Smith, drops so many gems that I found myself inspired to collect affirmations based on his messages.

In case you didn't know, affirmations are positive statements you can repeat to yourself in order to help in reprogramming your mind.

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Positive thought patterns can lead to positive experiences. Ever hear of the law of attraction? Believe in your words; they have power!

And I, for one, have not been more excited about affirmative statements in a film since The Help.

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So let's get inspired! Also, if you haven't watched already (what are you doing?!), beware that there are spoilers ahead!

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1. "I am a winner."

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While training in their neighborhood park, Richard would be sure to hang signs around the court. "You are a winner!" seems pretty basic, but if you constantly see that, hear that, and say that, you might start believing that. 

2. "If I fail to plan, I plan to fail."

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"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." This motto was not only on the park posters but also seen on a magnet on their refrigerator throughout the film.

This was an important motto for Richard. He believed in the idea of a success plan so much that he created a 78-page document planning the lives of Serena and Venus (BEFORE THEY WERE BORN) to lead them in becoming the best tennis players in the world. Keeping these affirmations around them was a reminder that planning can lead to success.

3. "Stay calm, keep a clean heart, and be humble."

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In a scene showing the sisters gloating in the car ride home, after Venus won a tournament, Richard decided it was time to teach them a valuable lesson in staying grounded by showing them Disney's Cinderella. “She stayed calm. She kept her heart clean. She was humble,” he says.

4. "I will be respected."

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The film touches on some of the personal challenges Richard has faced in his lifetime, like when he mentioned to the kids that growing up, he'd flee members of the Ku Klux Klan. The film also shows him come to his daughters' defense when they are catcalled by neighborhood hoodlums, which gets him beaten up. He tells his daughters, "This world never had no respect for Richard Williams. But they going respect y'all. They going to respect y’all." 

5. "My confidence will not waver."

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The film included the famous interview scene from 1995 where Richard stepped in, interrupting to protect Venus's confidence after she stated she was confident in beating her opponent and her interviewer questioned, "Why?"

"You’re dealing with the image of a 14-year-old child," Richard says. "You are dealing with a little Black kid. Let her be a kid. Now, she done answered it with a lot of confidence. Leave that alone!"

6. "I’m in the champion-making business."

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No need to change this direct quote from Richard. This can be self-applied. You stick to your plan and you are a champion in the making! 

7. "I know my worth."

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Venus was approached by a representative from Nike before her tournament debut, who offered her an endorsement deal for $3 million. However, she had to accept it by the end of the night or it would no longer be an offer. Ultimately, her parents allowed her to make the decision. She chose to wait until she was able to show off her skills professionally before signing a contract deal. Afterward, she signed an endorsement deal with Reebok for $12 million. 

8. "I know who I am, I know where I've come from, and I trust where I'm going."

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In a scene where Oracene, Serena and Venus's mom, is braiding her daughters' hair, she gives them a key piece of advice: "Remember who you are. Remember where you came from. Stand tall and be proud in that."

9. "There's nothing I can't do."

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On their way to practice, Richard drives the family through a mansion-filled town. Still molding their confidence, he tells them that one day, they'll be able to buy whatever house they want. "The most strongest, the most powerful, the most dangerous creature on this whole Earth is a woman who know how to think. Ain’t nothing she can’t do." Amen to that. 

10. "I inspire."

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When tennis coach Paul Cohen asks Serena, "Who on tour do you want to play like?" she answers, "Well, I'd like other people to want to play like me." That's a vibe! 

11. "I have the game to beat anyone. I just have to play it."

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Another direct quote, this time from Venus. This is her response right before her first pro match against Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, when asked how she thought she would do. Reminiscent of Nike's "Just Do It" slogan, this affirmation can be used in any context — life is but a game, baby; play it right! 

These are just a handful of affirmations inspired by the film. The entire movie is full of motivational quotes — after all, it depicts a true story about perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. King Richard is absolutely worth a watch and is currently streaming on HBO Max.