I have another letter to share with you! This is message 401 and day 55 in the  8–C challenge and this message is dedicated to Mady Smith.

The Paris Olympics start in a few days. It is hard to fathom the dedication and commitment athletes invest into these events. Some gain popularity and the financial benefits that go along with that but most are committed for the pure love of it. Do you have a favorite event? I am always impressed with figure skating. 

Do you know what event a person has won the most gold medals? Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time. It will be a minor miracle if his achievement is ever surpassed, in any event, not just swimming which was his sport. Well, I received a letter from Mike and I want to share it with you today. He is an example of my letter C in my mindset acrostic: C > F = R. When your commitment is greater than your feelings then you’ll achieve the results you want. Here’s Mike:

“I want to share with you a principle that has guided me through every stroke, every race, and every triumph in my career: commitment over feelings. This principle has been the cornerstone of my journey as a swimmer and as a person. As a young boy, I was full of energy, but I also faced challenges. Diagnosed with ADHD, I had difficulty focusing and was often restless. My mother encouraged me to channel that energy into swimming. The pool became my sanctuary, a place where I could find peace and purpose. But more importantly, it became the arena where I learned the value of unwavering commitment. At the age of 11, I met my coach, Bob Bowman. He saw potential in me, but he also knew that realizing it would require an extraordinary level of dedication. Under his guidance, I adopted a rigorous training schedule. I swam seven days a week, 365 days a year. While others took time off for holidays or weekends, I was in the pool, pushing my limits. This was my first lesson: that success demands a level of commitment that often supersedes our immediate feelings. There were countless mornings when I didn’t feel like getting out of bed at 4:30 a.m. to dive into a cold pool. There were days when my body ached and my mind was weary. But it was during those moments that my commitment was tested and strengthened. I learned that true commitment means showing up even when you don’t feel like it, even when every fiber of your being screams for rest. This was my second lesson: that feelings are fleeting, but commitment endures. Leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, I set a goal to win eight gold medals in a single Olympiad, breaking Mark Spitz’s record. It was an ambitious and daunting target. But my commitment to this goal was absolute. I visualized each race, every turn, and every finish. I trained relentlessly, focusing not just on physical preparation but also on mental fortitude. When I faced setbacks, like the goggles filling with water during the 200-meter butterfly final, it was my commitment, not my feelings, that propelled me to victory. I didn’t panic; I relied on my training and finished the race, breaking the world record. This was my third lesson: that unwavering commitment can overcome even the most unexpected challenges. Throughout my career, I’ve faced ups and downs, triumphs and failures. After the London 2012 Olympics, I struggled with my own identity and purpose. I even considered retirement. But it was my deep-seated commitment to the sport, to my goals, and to my own growth that brought me back. I returned to the pool, not just to compete, but to inspire others and to finish my career on my own terms. In Rio 2016, I won five more gold medals, cementing my legacy as the most decorated Olympian of all time. My friends, life will test you. There will be days when your feelings tell you to quit, when the path ahead seems too difficult. But remember this: it is not your feelings that define you, but your commitment. Set your goals, hold them close, and pursue them with relentless dedication. Show up every day, give your best effort, and trust in the process. Commitment over feelings—that is the key to unlocking your full potential. Embrace it, live it, and watch as you achieve more than you ever thought possible.”