Chapter 6: Developing a Positive Self-Image
Michael Phelps is one of the most decorated Olympians of all time. In his career, he amassed an incredible twenty-eight medals, with twenty-three of those being gold. He set both all-time Olympic records. Phelps did so over the course of four Olympic games spanning twelve years. Phelps also overcame a lot of self-doubt along the way.
When Phelps was younger, he was diagnosed with ADHD and told by his doctor that he would never amount to anything. Phelps's mom used this as motivation for him to succeed. Phelps's first coach didn't think he was good enough to make the Olympic team. This only made Phelps work harder, and he went on to prove his coach wrong by not only making the team but becoming one of the most decorated Olympians of all time (Valentine, 2019).
Phelps said, “You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits.”
All of the best-laid plans and systems will not serve you if you do not believe in your ability to accomplish your goals.
Look back at the self-assessment from chapter 3.
Do you regularly talk to yourself in a negative manner or a positive one?
Everyone struggles with self-image, including Michael Phelps. No one is perfect, and everyone has their own insecurities. Phelps was able to overcome his doubts and achieve great things because he had a positive self-image. He believed in himself and his abilities, even when others did not.
If you struggle with self-image, there are things you can do to improve it.
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