Stiff Competition

"How do you intend to win?"
He's already won in his mind's eye
"I'm not going to try."
"Well what then?"
"To attempt is a submission, we won't participate."
"How does success come if you do not?"
"I have forgone the victory to myself, I won't give it a second thought."
"You've yet to win, you've got no prize! Will you please just concentrate?"
"Not for even a second, place your hand steady."
"Honestly, man, we haven't time for games, are you going to concede to lose?"
His mind's eye met with mine, and asked if I was ready
"No, sir, you know far better that I am going to win the contest as I choose."
"You are mad! Progress is not a calm river you can swim against."
"I'll be sure to tell that to all those overboard when I am ferrying across it hence."
He clicked his heels and crossed the room, puffing a pipe; mimicking a steamboat
"You are going to fail in this endeavor, most certainly, most assuredly, and what a fool you will be."
"The wife would be at my throat...
A wager! Come along, and if I lose then you may cover the costs of the entry fee."
"Why in Sam Hill do you think those are conditions to which I would ever agree?"
"Well, simply put, old chap, you see, you do not know for sure that I will not emerge with victory."
I harumphed at him and let him swindle me.