Comments on: A World Champion

By: Vance Shutes

Vance Shutes — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:22:20 +0000

Russell,

Whether you think you can, or think you cannot, you are right. Michael Phelps thought he could, and he did. Imagine that!

The mind cannot hold the opposite of an idea. If it can be conceived and believed, it can be achieved. I could go on and on with cliches, but you get the point.

Thanks for the reminder about the power of our own mind, and the power of belief.

By: Brian Brady

Brian Brady — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:26:52 +0000

“When a person really decides on something, really decides and strips off all of the “maybe” – with just that clean simple, exact postulate to do “that”, it seems as though the physical universe shifts around as needed so as to be in alignment with that postulate.”

You just talked about this,for the 600th time. I was thinking about your training podcasts when I heard Phelps interviewed. This is REALLY uncomfortable, Russell. (I know, I know…it’s supposed to be).

By: Matt Thomson

Matt Thomson — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:23:51 +0000

What I loved was the first relay Phelps won. They never should have won, as the American was about 2.5 seconds behind the world record holder in a leg that took less than 50 seconds. In his interview, Phelps’ teammate (Lisak I think) said of course he doubted he could do it. Then he shook off the negatives, reminded himself he was here for his country, and just went for it. He said in about a 5 second period he changed his whole mind-set and that made the difference, and he indeed swam down the world record holder. Phelps’ has 8 golds in part because his teammate made an in the moment decision to change his mind-set.

If I knew I’d succeed, I’d love my wife and my daughter without limits or reservations. I’d have no fear in showing my emotions and letting them see the real me. Sounds wierd, but being transparent and not worrying about rejection (not just from my family, but clients, friends, etc) would be my biggest achievement.

By: Mark Eckenrode

Mark Eckenrode — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:23:46 +0000

at that level of game, every single one of the competitors has “game.” evidenced by the 1/100th of a second gap. so, really, there’s not much difference in skill. where the real difference lies is in the mental game. at that level, mental game is everything. i’m curious to know what mental training he did prior to competing…

By: Rob Hahn

Rob Hahn — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:24:14 +0000

If I knew that I would succeed, I would reduce the size and scope of the government (federal, state and local) to a healthy point a la Milton Friedman (see, Free to Choose for example).

-rsh

By: Obeoman

Obeoman — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:33:52 +0000

…well, I guess it would be to be a guest blogger at Ag (!)

Seriously? Be like Superman…and use my super powers to unite all MLSs! (Kudos to the WRA -The Wisconsin WIREX project is coming along and it plans to start uniting MLS in WI!)
Danilo looks like he has that covered though….

Secretly? Have the best cheeseburger in the world and be able to franchise it globally.

w0w. It felt great just to say it…

Steve