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.
Interpretation
The quote reflects Michael Phelps' realization of his own identity beyond being just a talented swimmer.
In this quote, Michael Phelps expresses a journey of self-discovery where he acknowledges that he was seen solely as a talented swimmer and not as a complete person. This realization emphasizes the importance of understanding one's true self and the depth beyond just a singular talent or public persona.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth and identity.
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.
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.
I learned how fast you can go from being an international hero to being a reference in a joke on a late night talk show.
If you're not working to get your business or investing operation to operate without you, you're thinking too small. Think team and systems.
I didn't get on TV until I was 30, which is really fortunate because you are who you are at that point.
When I came to New York, I told everyone I was a writer/director, and they said, 'No.' There was a rule. You could be one or the other. They ordained me writer. But then I won the Obie for directing 'Spunk,' and the rules changed.
Many people erroneously think they have only one chance to succeed, and if they miss that chance, they are doomed to failure. In fact, most people have several opportunities to succeed.
Success is like reaching an important birthday and finding you're exactly the same.
Money is a short-term result that incentivizes short-term decision making.
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