While viewing the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, I was able to watch Michael Phelps swim one of the races that led him to be the most decorated Olympian of all time.  I mean, it’s pretty amazing….the guy has more Gold Medals than ANYONE.  Oh sure, you can say he’s double jointed, “born to swim,” and all those other cliché’s, but to me, he’s an inspiration.

I can appreciate how amazing the guy is, but I just wanted to share HOW amazing he is in comparison to me.  Now, keep in mind, I’ve been swimming for about 5 years now.  I swim every weekday with a coach and a workout team….all year round.  I’ve been able to increase my speed and endurance, and most of all, increase my level of fitness tremendously.

So, let’s go “inside the numbers,” shall we?

* Michael Phelps was able to swim a 200 meter freestyle in 1:42…My fastest 100 meter freestyle (half that distance) is 1:28.  That means that Michael Phelps is almost TWICE as fast as I am.

* Michael Phelps eats a 10,000 calorie breakfast consisting of eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, juice, milk, toast, fruit, and anything else he feels like.  My morning routine starts with a big glass of water, a banana, and my vitamins…a whopping 105 calories.

* I swim a LOT.  Most of our workouts are at least 2,000 meters.  At 5 times per week, that means I’m putting in at least 10,000 meters per week.  By contrast, Michael Phelps swims 50,000 – 70,000 meters per week!

Clearly Michael and I have lot in common!  Hehehee!  Well, if you think about it we really do. You see, a few years ago, I decided that I was going to increase my fitness level.  I needed to find something that I could do every day that I could STICK WITH.  Swimming was it for me.

It was rough in the beginning.  I could barely get across the pool without vomiting.  But, the coach worked with me, and I continued to improve.  The hardest part was getting my ass out of bed to get to practice.  But, I started realizing that old adage is true: “Just showing up is half the battle.”  So, I go EVERY weekday….without fail.  It’s become part of me.  I’ve improved tremendously.

On occasion, another Olympian, Josh Davis comes to work out with us.  He’s a super nice guy…very laid back, but a shark in the pool.  There has been a couple of times that I actually shared a lane with him.  Talk about intimidating!  Well, let me tell you….aside from the intimidation, it’s also INSPIRING.  It brings me up to a whole new level, just knowing that I’m swimming with someone of that caliber.

So, why am I telling you this?

Well, it’s pretty simple.  If you want to get better at anything….your business, your relationships, your fitness, just remember to SHOW UP EVERY DAY.  And if you want to be inspired to greatness, remember to employ the POWER OF ASSOCIATION.  When you hang out with the fast swimmers, you get faster.  When you hang out with people that are building huge businesses, you learn how to make yours grow too.

These simple lessons have gotten me far in life.  My “little fledgling business” is now an international empire….just from showing up….EVERY DAY.  I have been mentored by some really amazing people, by making it a point to get to know them.  The friendships that have been formed are invaluable to me.

I want the same for you….

Are you showing up every day?  Are you hanging out with the Olympians?

Catch ‘ya in the water!

All the best,

Shecky