Recently, Joy and I had pleasure of speaking at a conference of Educational Office Professionals in Baltimore, MD. The other speakers included Ms. Deborah Phelps, mother of six-time gold medalist in 2004 Summer Olympics swimmer Michael Phelps, and Agatha von Trapp, 91-year-old daughter of Captain and Maria von Trapp, family on which movie “Sound of Music” was based. To say least, there were a variety of subjects discussed that day.As I listened to Ms. Phelps describe Michael’s achievements, I realized that his story had many of secrets of success mentioned in my September article, Five Secrets to Creating a ‘Goal’ Medal Life. Let’s go over these five secrets again and see how you can apply them:
1. Create Passion with Goal Setting Ms. Phelps mentioned that Michael, after competing in 2000 Summer Olympics, was excited about experience. Michael told her he wanted to compete again in 2004 Summer Olympics. He had that burning desire to compete and win. So they sat down, developed goals, and mapped out a detailed plan for his success.
What do you have passion about in your career, your life? Have you put pen to paper and developed goals to achieve what you want in life?
2. Believe in Greatness Once Michael had competed in 2000 Summer Olympics and held his own, he now believed he could win swimming events in 2004 Summer Olympics; not only win, but shatter world records. He visualized standing on center stand with gold medal around his neck. He visualized what winning gold medals would look like, how it would feel, etc.
Have you visualized your “goal” medal life?
3. Create a Mastermind Group Ms. Phelps said that once Michael set his goal, she (a single parent), his older sisters, Michael, and his long time swim coach, Bob Bowman, came together to develop a cohesive team for success. This was Michael’s mastermind group. This group was devoted to removing barriers and helping Michael achieve his dream. Bob Bowman provided technical expertise; and Ms. Phelps and his sisters provided financial, emotional, and family support to keep Michael focused on his goals. They kept him focused on his goals while removing any distractions.