Michael

You understand human nature when you are never surprised by anything it does. – Vernon Howard

The Olympics brings home the notion that we can do anything we set our minds to. So many people have beliefs or opinions that one thing or another can’t be done. The large majority of us adapt these restrictive beliefs especially when made by so called “experts”.

The ABC news channel reported that Ian Thorpe, the celebrated Australian swimmer who won 5 Olympic Gold medals, stated that Michael Phelps would not be able to win gold in all 8 events at the Beijing Olympics. He had several reasons; one of them being that Phelps doesn’t swim well in the morning which was when the final relay medley was held.

After winning his 8th Gold Medal, Phelps was being interviewed by Bob Costas. Bob was asking him about all the negative comments and opinions that had been generated before and during his medal competitions. Phelps smiles and says that when he hears those kinds of comments all it does is “fire him up.” He has to prove that they are wrong. Apparently he can.

This is the attitude that makes ordinary people do extraordinary things. Yes, we all know that Phelps has the physical genetics that make his body perfect for swimming, but if his mind were in the wrong place, he would never have done his magic.

The lesson is simple and clear. Don’t let others sway you away from doing what you want. There is really only one obstacle to you doing extraordinary things and that simply is YOU.

So don’t be surprised by what others or you can do. This is the way things are supposed to be.

Have a great day!

Michael