You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the power of dreams and limitless aspirations in achieving success.
Michael Phelps highlights the importance of dreaming big and not restricting oneself with limitations. He suggests that the extent of one's ambitions can directly influence their achievements, indicating that those who dare to envision greater outcomes can achieve exceptional results.
In practice
In a graduation speech to inspire students to pursue their passions.
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.
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.
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.
When youβre doing work you care about, you are able to work harder and better.
All motivation is self-motivation. Your family, your boss, or your co-workers can try to get your engine going, but until you decide what to accomplish, nothing will happen.
Most train to be part of the game. The greatest train to be the game: I am the game. Third-and-9, two-minutes left, that's what I train for. I train for moments everyone runs from. I run for them.
Remember, success is a journey not a destination. Have faith in your ability. You will do just fine.
You can't ask for what you want unless you know what it is. A lot of people don't know what they want or they want much less than they deserve. First you have figure out what you want. Second, you have to decide that you deserve it. Third, you have to believe you can get it. And, fourth, you have to have the guts to ask for it
Hesitation is often like procrastination. One may have vague doubts and feel a need to mull things over; meanwhile, other issues intrude on thought, and no decision is taken. Ask people why they procrastinate, and you probably won't get a crisp answer.
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