Ignore pain, leave it on the field and never back down.

CNN: Junior Seau was hurting and didn't know how to say it

In such conflicts, both sides are compelled by the fear of appearing weak or irresolute to not only match, but to raise, the level of pressure or threat against the other in recurring rounds of provocation and response, and to never back down.

FORBES: Connect

John doesn't back down and he never gives up.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The teenager was never going well on Monday and finally gave up the ghost down the back stretch of the second and final lap.

CNN: Legend Bekele powers to fourth world title

For politicians, they don't want to think big because if they never get there, then they'll be accused of overselling and coming up short, or having to back down from a big announcement.

CNN: Commentary: Obama's ambitious agenda a good thing