"Phelpsian Feet" (Or Ought that to be Feat?)

By Pamela Jett

It seems that everyone is talking and blogging about Michael Phelps and his incredible feat (or ought that to be feet?) Like most people, I was so impressed by his discipline, his focus, his commitment, and his passion. It is so very easy to see applications to our lives as we work to achieve our goals and objectives personally and professionally. Much media was spent talking about the piece of paper he carried with him. No one had any idea what was on the piece of paper until after he won his 8th gold medal. He revealed that the paper simply contained his intention for the games – to win 8 gold medals. What a terrific example of the basic principles of goal setting – write your goals down and read them regularly. This increases the likelihood you will achieve them.

I was also intrigued by the media attention paid to Michael’s body type. He is essentially built for swimming; in particular he has long fingers and long feet. At one point, one of his team-mates used the term “Phelpsian feet” to describe how Michael’s feet are one of the reasons he is so great.

This got me thinking about how each one of us has our own “Phelpsian feet”. There is some skill, some talent, some strength, some unique skill or ability that each of us possesses. Are you using your “Phelpsian feet” to your advantage? Do you know what your strengths are? Are you volunteering for projects or assignments that can allow you to use those strengths?

Part of being an amazing communicator is to know how to communicate your value and worth in the workplace. In previous posts and in many of my programs I talk about sending out “I’m great up-dates” to keep your leaders in the loop regarding your contribution to the organization. It is so much easier to do this when you know your own strengths and you leverage those strengths to your advantage.

Michael Phelps is a great swimmer because he not only has the discipline to be great; he used his “Phelpsian feet” to become great at a sport he was uniquely suited for. Could you imagine him trying to be a world-class gymnast? He might have had the same discipline and the same passion to succeed. However, I doubt he would have been world-class. He is simply not built for it. He is built to swim and to swim fast. I challenge you to discover your own “Phelpsian feet” so you can experience tremendous feats of your own.

For more communication skills for success, visit Pamela on-line at http://www.jettct.com/. While you are there you can download free communication tools and assessments as well as watch clips of Pamela live.

Pamela Jett is a communication skills expert who believes that words matter. She works with organizations, associations and individuals who want to improve their communication skills for business and personal success. She can be reached toll free at 866.726.5388, at her website http://www.jettct.com/ , or Pamela@JettCT.com .