As a coach I tell kids that whether you win or lose, act like a winner, and hold your head up high. Winning isn't everything, but trying to win is everything. Whether you come in first or not, performing at your highest level makes you a winner. You play the way you practice. Winners do what losers don't want to do.
Persistence is also important because no one accomplishes everything on the first try.
Some people believe in beginner's luck. But luck eventually runs out, and then it's just you and your commitment. A great attitude always preceded a great performance. Fight you fears with action. Champions arrive early and stay late.