If you say "can't" you're restricting what you can do or ever will do.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the limiting belief associated with saying 'can't', which hampers one's potential.
Michael Phelps asserts that using the word 'can't' creates mental barriers that prevent individuals from realizing their true capabilities. By rejecting negative self-talk and embracing a more positive mindset, we open ourselves to opportunities and achievements that once seemed unattainable.
In practice
Using this quote during a motivational speech to inspire athletes to push beyond their perceived limits.
I want to be able to look back and say, 'I've done everything I can, and I was successful.' I don't want to look back and say I should have done this or that. I'd like to change things for the younger generation of swimmers coming along.
For so long, I looked at myself as literally a kid who was talented who would go up and down the pool. That's it. Nothing else. Very few people knew who I really was.
I don't want to be the next Mark Spitz; I want to be the first Michael Phelps
There are too many kids who are drowning for lack of water safety. That's something I'd like to do. Teaching kids to live an active lifestyle.
My goal is one Olympic gold medal. Not many people in this world can say, 'I'm an Olympic gold medalist.'
I know it won't be eight medals again. If you want to compare me to that, that's your decision, not mine. I'm going out there to try to accomplish the things that I have in my mind and in my heart.
Do the impossible, because almost everyone has told me my ideas are merely fantasies.
I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can't be done.
I just feel so much more comfortable and confident every game I play.
Only one thing is ever guaranteed, that is that you will definitely not achieve the goal if you don't take the shot.
Don't you quit! You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help & happiness ahead.
I train every day of my life as they have never trained a day in theirs.
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