As I’m writing this, Michael Phelps and his mom are being interviewed, discussing his amazing 8 gold medals in the Olympics.
 
It’s a tremendous feat that many people never thought would happen.
 
Many of the best swimmers in history thought it was impossible for someone to win 8 gold medals.
 
It was just too many races over the course of one week.
 
He swam over 5 miles a day on his swim days, between the races, warm-up and cool-down.  How could he possibly win every single race he entered?
 
As I am watching this interview, something pops out.
 
He never wavered in his belief as to whether he could win every race he entered.
 
He had a goal and he was going to accomplish that goal.
 
He knew it would happen.
 
So how does that apply to you?
 
How does Michael Phelps winning a record 8 gold medals in one Olympics compare to you wanting to lose some fat, gain some muscle, or just get healthier?
 
You have to have the same determination that he had in the run up to these games.
 
You have to set a goal and you have to know that you will accomplish that goal.
 
There will be people along the way who tell you that you can’t do it.
 
They may try to sabotage you and make it seem OK to eat or drink things that you’re trying to steer clear of.
 
Some may flat out tell you that you can’t do it. That you’ve tried before and you’ll fail just like the last time you tried.
 
But you have to believe in yourself and, maybe even more importantly, find someone else who believes in you just as much as you believe in yourself.
 
Find a friend or loved one who will keep you going.
 
Michael Phelps had his coach and his family to keep him going and give him encouragement and fire when he needed it.
 
Everybody gets down on themselves sometimes, even the greatest athletes of all time, and you need someone to help keep you going in those instances.
 
The main reason I’m writing this is because over the last couple of weeks I’ve been getting emails from people all over the world who seem down on themselves.  They want to achieve a goal, but are having difficult times getting there.
 
My answer to them is the same as it is to everyone.
 
Believe in yourself and don’t give up.
 
Keep moving in the right direction, taking baby steps, and you will achieve your goal.
 
It may take some time, but you’ll get there.
 
Remember, it didn’t just take Michael Phelps one week to win 8 gold medals and become one of the greatest Olympians ever.
 
It took years.  Years of practice.  
 
Years of patience.  
 
Years of trials.  
 
Years of people telling him he couldn’t do it.
 
But he did it.
 
And you can too.
 
I believe in you.
 
Have a great day!
 
Ed
 
P.S. – If you ever need any help or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me.  I’m here to help.