COFFEE & BISCUITS

Watching the Olympics reminds me of some moments of my past and also important lessons learned in the past year.

1. Live simply.
I am convinced that Michael Phelps’ success this year owes not only to his talent, but mainly due to his simple livestyle in the past 4 years. (By the way, he trained in Ann Arbor — which means that FOR SURE he doesn’t have much distractions!) He said in an interview that in the past 4 years, he only “sleep, eat, swim.” While a personal life was probably the casualty, the lifestyle sure focused him on the goal. So many talented swimmers had come before him, but so often they faltered at the moment of their limelight and performed under expectations. To come to Olympics a 2nd time, and did all that he did, it took more than the sheer physical aspect of the sport, but also his mental preparation.

2.  Be consistent

Do not ever let your guard down.  The French probably let their guard down during the 400 men freestyle relay, consequently losing the race to the Americans.  As a competitive athlete, you have to always perform at your best otherwise, someone else will creep up from behind you and take what should have been yours if you had always pushed yourself to the limit.

Boy, did I learn this lesson well.

3.  Do not EVER, EVER give up

The US men gymnastics team was not expected to even get a medal, due to the inexperience of the team and the loss of the two Hamms.  Yet they performed at their best, cheered each other on, and tried not to blame each other for their mistakes. 

The fulfillment after that is great. 

How do even know how close you were to success if you had given up?

I learned this lesson hard last year, but it was such a tough lesson to learn that I am not sure I can and want to replicate those moments of desperation and hanging on.

I love the Olympics!