I watched Michael Phelps do his thing tonight. I went over to the office to finalize my sermon prep and found Kate and Chad O in the office watching the Olympics. It was amazing to watch Phelps set a new world record and win the gold. He’s setting his sights on 8 gold medals this year. That’s a big, hairy, audacious goal…
I wonder what it’s like to be the best in the world, to know that no one–no one!–can match you in your thing. Is there pressure to perform? How do you keep the ego and pride in check? How messed up does the rest of your life get in pursuit of the prize? Is there fear of failure? And don’t get me started on all the money involved…endorsements, contracts, appearance fees…sheesh.
I’ve never been the best in the world at anything. Oh sure, I won the local Pitch, Hit and Run contest when I was like 11. I got a really cool certificate that my mom framed. I don’t remember how I fared in the second round, but it must not have been very good.
Oh well, I guess it’s all for the best. Who wants the pressure of being the best in the world at PH&R?
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