U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps took home eight historic gold
medals in Beijing. One of the reasons Phelps attracts such a large fan base is
his likeable, down-to-earth approach to life.
Here are three ways Phelps
maintains a healthy life balance in spite of the rigours of being an
international sports icon.
1. On Sacrifice
"Growing up in high school, I wasn't hanging out with
friends every day or on the weekends. Doing normal high-school things was
something I was willing to give up." Phelps stepped out and devoted himself to a seemingly
unachievable goal. Hard work does in
fact pay off, and by applying your talents and avoiding the temptation to
divert along the way, you'll reach your own podium.
2. Learning from
Mistakes
"Having my DUI happen was a learning experience. Being
in a college environment, it's my job to try and help make sure people don't
make the same mistake I made. I've learned so much, just from having an
experience like that, and I think I've grown up more from that experience than
from before.”
Much like your own, Phelps’ life isn't without setbacks,
failings and challenges. Following his DUI arrest at 19, Phelps visited several
elementary schools, warning children about the importance of making good
choices. By accepting responsibility for his actions, Michael learned from his
mistake and made the best of an unfortunate situation.
3. Learn to Love the
Unknown
"[After swimming,] I don't know what I want to do. I
definitely want to stay in sports, but I'm not sure what field I want to go
into. And no, I'm not dreading it. There's going to be a time when I'm ready to
retire—but definitely not yet. "
It's easy to get caught up thinking about, and planning for,
the future. Realise that it's all right not to have every aspect of your life
charted out—enjoy the present for what it is and approach it without fear.
After all, what's the point of working hard to enjoy the future if you're a
neurotic wreck when you get there? Exactly.
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