I would rather be tired, than disappointed.

I would rather run out of time, than run out of excuses.

I would rather end the day with nothing left in the tank, than wish that I had done more.

I would rather try my best and fail, than wonder what would have happened if I had bothered to show up.

I would rather be a blunt ax in need of sharpening, than an ax in pristine condition that never gets used.

I would rather work hard and have no-one notice, than do very little and hope that no-one notices.

I would rather retire knowing that I had maximised my capabilities, than finish without really knowing what I was capable of.