"I want to be able to look back and say, 'I've done everything I can, and I was successful.' I don't want to look back and say I should have done this or that. I'd like to change things for the younger generation of swimmers coming along."
- Michael Phelps
Personal Growth
"I wouldn't say anything is impossible. I think that everything is possible as long as you put your mind to it and put the work and time into it."
- Michael Phelps
Belief in Self
"I want to test my maximum and see how much I can do. And I want to change the world of swimming."
- Michael Phelps
Ambition
"You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get."
- Michael Phelps
Aspirations
"If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren't willing to do."
- Michael Phelps
Hard Work
"If you say “can’t” you’re restricting what you can do or ever will do."
- Michael Phelps
Belief in Self
"I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time."
- Michael Phelps
Goals
"I think that everything is possible as long as you put your mind to it and you put the work and time into it. I think your mind really controls everything."
- Michael Phelps
Belief in Self
"So many people along the way, whatever it is you aspire to do, will tell you it can't be done. But all it takes is imagination. You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there no limits."
- Michael Phelps
Perseverance
"If you want to be the best, you have to do things other people aren’t willing to do."
- Michael Phelps
Drive
"I want to be able to look back and say, ‘I’ve done everything I can, and I was successful.’ I don’t want to look back and say I should have done this or that."
- Michael Phelps
Reflection
"So many people along the way, whatever it is you aspire to do, will tell you it can’t be done. But all it takes is imagination. You dream. You plan. You reach."
- Michael Phelps
Inspiration
"You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get."
- Michael Phelps
Aspirations
"I want to test my maximum and see how much I can do."
- Michael Phelps
Ambition
"I can't remember the last day I didn't train."
- Michael Phelps
Determination
"Nothing is impossible. With so many people saying it couldn't be done, all it takes is an imagination."
- Michael Phelps
Optimism
"Things won’t go perfect. It’s all about how you adapt from those things and learn from mistakes."
- Michael Phelps
Adaptation
"I think everything is possible as long as long as you put your mind, work and time into it."
- Michael Phelps
Belief
"I knew I was not a failure in any way, and so did those close to me. It doesn't matter if you fall short; it is never a failure to go after your goals with everything you've got."
- Michael Phelps
Resilience
"That's it. Thats Bob's game. His drill...is really quite simple- make a habit of doing things other's weren't willing to do."
- Michael Phelps
Hard Work
"I have the opportunity to be part of swimming history. To take the sport to a new level would be an honor for me. There's no better time to try this than now."
- Michael Phelps
Ambition
"It doesn't matter what else is going on. When you walk into your arena or your - whatever you excel at, you're there to take care of the job that you have to do."
- Michael Phelps
Focus
"I like to just think of myself as a normal person who just has a passion, has a goal and a dream and goes out and does it. And that's really how I've always lived my life."
- Michael Phelps
Motivation
"I found something I love… And never gave up."
- Michael Phelps
Persistence
"I can only control my own performance. If I do my best, then I can feel good at the end of the day."
- Michael Phelps
Self-confidence
"I'm doing this for me. If I don't become as successful as you all think I would be or should be and you think it tarnishes my career, then that's your own opinion. I'm doing this because I want to come back and I enjoy being in the pool and I enjoy being in the sport of swimming."
- Michael Phelps
Self-awareness
"If I didn't swim my best, I'd think about it at school, at dinner, with my friends. It would drive me crazy."
- Michael Phelps
Determination
"I got the stamina. I can close."
- Michael Phelps
Strength
"In business, words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises, but only performance is reality."
- Michael Phelps
Integrity
"Every day after I wake up, I think, 'Wait... this can't be real; I'm still going to wake up.'"
- Michael Phelps
Gratitude
"Every day after I wake up, I think, 'Wait... this can't be real; I'm still going to wake up."
- Michael Phelps
Gratitude
"At the hospital, I was asked for my autograph; I'm right-handed and couldn't sign. So I was asked for photos. While hooked up to IV lines."
- Michael Phelps
Bravery
"Swimming is normal for me. I'm relaxed. I'm comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It's my home."
- Michael Phelps
Contentment