The Real Reason Success Eludes You

What we can all learn from Michael Phelps on Success

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time. 28 medals — 23 of which are gold. When you google why Phelps is such a damn good swimmer, the first articles that come up speak to his perfect swimmer’s body — a long torso, incredible wingspan, size 14 feet. Other articles delve into his work ethic, competitive spirit, and his mastery of different strokes. I deny none of the above. How can I when I don’t even know how to swim (disastrous, I know)? However, what has always stood out to me about Phelps is an oft-spoken regimen in his practice: visualization.

“For months before a race Michael gets into a relaxed state,” said Bob Bowman, Phelp’s long-time coach. “He mentally rehearses for two hours a day in the pool. He sees himself winning. He smells the air, tastes the water, hears the sounds, sees the clock.”

In other words, Michael Phelps prepares to win.

Late last year, I started working with a coach of my own. A creative coach. I had finally recognized that I needed some hand-holding to help me figure out how to clarify and organize my big creative dreams. Having taken this first step, I assumed our sessions would cover the tactile elements of my process — time management, goal setting, project planning…