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The Tim Ferriss Show
#494: Michael Phelps and Grant Hackett — Two Legends on Competing, Overcoming Adversity, Must-Read Books, and Much More
Jan 21, 2021
Michael Phelps, a swimming icon with 28 Olympic medals, and Grant Hackett, an Australian legend with 58 medals, dive deep into the realms of competition and mental health. They discuss their personal journeys, emphasizing resilience and camaraderie amidst adversity. From innovative sleep strategies to the power of must-read books, they share valuable insights on recovery techniques and daily commitment in sports training. Their candid reflections on navigating mental health challenges aim to destigmatize these issues and inspire others to embrace vulnerability.
01:56:34
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Quick takeaways
- Negative comments can be used as motivation for success
- Openly discussing emotions and seeking help is crucial for mental health
- Recovery techniques and self-care are vital for maintaining peak performance
- Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting awareness is essential
Deep dives
Using negative comments as motivation
Michael Phelps used negative comments about his chances of winning eight gold medals at the Olympics as motivation. He displayed the remarks on his locker during the games.
Dealing with depression and anger
Michael Phelps experienced depression and intense anger, which led to dark times in his life. He learned to talk about his emotions and seek help, and he credits his wife and Grant Hackett for supporting him through these difficult times.
Recovery techniques and resources
Michael Phelps employed various recovery techniques, including stretching, ice baths, massages, and breathing exercises. He also found solace in books like 'The Purpose Driven Life' and 'The Power of Now' as he navigated his mental health journey.
Training intensity and focus
Both Michael Phelps and Grant Hackett shared a strong work ethic and focus during their training. They pushed themselves to the limit, ensuring every stroke and detail mattered. They also highlighted the importance of recovering and taking care of their bodies to perform at their best.
Importance of Being Simple and Living in the Moment
One key insight from the podcast is the importance of simplicity and living in the moment. The speaker emphasizes the need to focus on the simple aspects of life and not get caught up in racing against the clock. This idea is exemplified through a story about the speaker's children playing with a metal trash can and fully immersing themselves in the present moment. The speaker also reflects on the joy of being with his kids during quarantine and the valuable lessons they teach about truly living in the moment.
Recognizing the Impact of Mental Health Challenges
The podcast delves into the speaker's personal experience with mental health challenges and the importance of recognizing and seeking help during difficult times. The speaker shares his own struggles during a public divorce and the negative impact it had on his mental well-being. He highlights the misconception that athletes should push through obstacles without acknowledging their mental health, and the importance of proactively addressing emotional well-being. The speaker also discusses the significance of having a support network and the value of therapy in dealing with stress and vulnerability.
Strategies for Maintaining Mental Well-being
The podcast explores various strategies for maintaining mental well-being. The speaker emphasizes the importance of exercise, recovery, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep in promoting overall well-being. He also highlights the value of adopting proactive approaches, such as talking about emotions and seeking therapy during stressful periods. The speaker mentions the benefits of simplifying life, focusing on what truly matters, and surrounding oneself with supportive and understanding individuals. Prioritizing self-care and recognizing the need for professional guidance are key themes throughout the discussion.
Breaking the Stigma and Promoting Mental Health Awareness
The podcast highlights the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting awareness. The speaker discusses his involvement in a documentary called 'The Weight of Gold' which explores mental health challenges among Olympic athletes. He urges people to speak up and seek help, emphasizing that they are not alone. The speaker shares personal stories and expresses a desire to help others dismantle the wall that surrounds mental health. He encourages open and honest conversations as well as support from loved ones, and emphasizes that mental health challenges should not be kept inside and left unaddressed.
Michael Phelps and Grant Hackett — Two Legends on Competing, Overcoming Adversity, Must-Read Books, and Much More | Brought to you by Wealthfront automated investing, Eight Sleep’s Pod Pro Cover sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating, and ButcherBox premium meats delivered to your door. More on all three below.
Michael Phelps (@michaelphelps) is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. He captured 28 medals, including a record-setting 23 gold medals, and set 39 world records over the course of his career. Michael utilized his performance bonus for winning eight gold medals in 2008 to establish the Michael Phelps Foundation, which promotes water safety, healthy living (physical and mental), and the pursuit of dreams. The Foundation’s signature program — IM — is a learn-to-swim, healthy living, and goal-setting curriculum based on the principles and tools Michael utilized in his swimming career and is available through the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics International. His advocacy for water safety and mental health has earned the recognition of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (Champion of Youth), American Image Awards (Humanitarian Award), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Special Recognition Award), The Ruderman Family Foundation (Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion), and PR Week (Health Influencer 50 and 2020 Communicator of the Year), among others.
Michael served as an executive producer and featured talent in the HBO documentary The Weight of Gold , which explores the mental health challenges Olympic athletes often face. In addition, he has published two autobiographies, No Limits: The Will to Succeed and Beneath the Surface, that were New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, and one children’s book, How to Train with a T-Rex and Win Eight Gold Medals.
Grant Hackett (@grant__hackett) represented and captained Australia in swimming at the Olympic Games. He collected a total of 58 medals over the course of his swimming career — with 26 gold at Olympic, Commonwealth, and World Championships levels — along with 16 world records. He remained unbeaten for 11 years in his pet event, the 1500m freestyle. Grant also received prestigious honors such as the Order of Australia, Centenary Medal, and Australian Sports Medal. Grant is a member of the Sports Australia Hall of Fame and International Swimming Hall of Fame.
His qualifications include an executive master's of business administration with first-class honors, a diploma of business law, and a diploma of financial services. Grant is the CEO of Generation Life, an Australia-based investment firm managing more than $1.3 billion.
Please enjoy!
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Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.
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