The Greatest Olympian Ever!
This is a time to celebrate.
One of our athletes, Michael Phelps, has accomplished what no other Olympian in the history of the Olympics has ever accomplished. 19 Medals. It is a record for the ages.
Michael Phelps has ADHD. He is the greatest, undisputed champion of the Olympics. (Click Here to tweet that.)
He’s one of us.
Let’s take a moment to think about that. Few people in the world must train and prepare as much as an Olympian. Their life is eating, breathing, living in training. It’s what they do and they do it all for a moment in time. Some seize the moment and bask in the glory of winning a medal. Most. Do. Not.
Michael Phelps is the best of the best.
He seized the most moments.
Why? What makes him different? What makes him the best?
I am sure there are many answers. It’s easy to overlook ADHD as part of the answer, but remember ADHD is involved in everything we do. Everything.
However, there are ADHD qualities which may have become advantages for him, such as hyper focus, as I wrote about when he won the medals in China, determination as Dr. Hallowell recently wrote about.
People with ADHD have a hard time taking “No” for an answer, we can be stubborn and relentless in our pursuits. And that’s not always a bad thing.
But what’s most important about Michael Phelps success is something else.
People with ADHD need support.
If there is one thing that can make the difference for someone with ADD / ADHD, it is support. He has support in the form of a loving mother, the best training with the best coaches and mentors.
A person with ADHD can become anything he or she dreams of becoming if they have the right support. And yes, sometimes we must find the support we need ourselves. We may have to go looking for a coach, a mentor, a therapist or support group. Read books, too. Often overlooked is that champions read about other champions.
While we celebrate Michael Phelps success, let’s take a look at our own circumstances and situations and determine where we could use some help. But let’s also remember, even with support, each of us, like Michael, must do the training, put the time in and go for the gold.
A positive mental attitude is essential.
Michael doesn’t compete to lose, nor does he tell himself he will lose. Each of us must learn to believe in ourselves and believe we can do what we want to do.
All the training and support in the world won’t be enough without a positive mental attitude, because we become what we think about the most.
Sometimes we must cultivate that attitude, create it and that’s where support can help.
None of us can do it alone.
In this age where good medicines are available for treating ADHD, let’s not forget that the most important aspect of successful treatment is support. Nothing can replace it, not even the best medication.
Now. Go. Become a champion in your own right.
Just remember, there’s nothing wrong with finding help and support, in fact, it is essential to success. You and I, we can do it, but not alone. You are not alone!
Congratulations Michael!
And congratulations to everyone, everywhere with ADHD!
~Bryan
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