Set Your Fitness Goals. We'll Help You Achieve Them.
Join for free and you'll gain instant access to our tracking and reporting tools, expert coaching tips, and a free trial to our personalized training and nutrition programs.
Blogs
The Performance Life
Gold Medal Motivation
marcopako / flickr
Michael Phelps never seemed more human and superhuman at the same time this weekend. After capturing his 8th straight gold medal, Phelps was at a loss for words in post-race interviews, just as any of us would be after capping off one of the greatest sports performances ever. He thanked his teammates and said how proud he was to be a part of it all.
Minutes later, Usain Bolt of Jamaica shattered the World Record in the 100-meter final. Thumping his chest with about 10 meters to go, Bolt probably could’ve broken the 9.6-second barrier, say analysts, if only he had kept running hard.
Bolt found victory with his brakes on, Phelps with outstretched arms. But despite how they finished, they now stand at the same starting line facing the same challenging question: What’s next?
For starters, recovery. Phelps says he can’t wait for his bed.
But then he’ll need to get motivated to train again, which is the same challenge we all face. For Phelps, it might even be harder.
How do you set new goals once you’ve realized your dreams? Money helps, but it’s not green nor gold that drags Michael Phelps out of bed and into the pool. To perform consistently at that level, you have to be self-motivated. You have to be disciplined. And you have to take pride in your performance.
We all struggle to get our butts to the gym, but if a guy who’s achieved everything in his sport can keep training, keep setting new goals, and keep his focus, then shouldn’t you be able to do the same?
About The Author
Scott Quill – Scott Quill is the Chief Editor of Athletes' Performance and Core Performance. Before joining Athletes' Performance, he was Fitness Editor of Men's Health magazine.
Comments
Stay Connected
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get expert performance tips delivered to your inbox.
