Anticipated imperfection

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Michael Phelps did the unthinkable.

8 races, and 8 gold medals. Reasonably so, some called it the perfect Olympics for the 23-time Olympic champion.

In reality, it was far from perfect.

As Phelps dove in for the 200m butterfly, his goggles started to fill with water, leaving him unable to see for three quarters of the race.

Despite this, he won the race and set a world record. And it wasn’t until further interviews and some high-quality cameras that everyone else found out about his obstacle.

This was not improvised.

Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps’ coach, constantly prepared for scenarios like this. Ripped suits, broken goggles, swimming with the lights off, intentionally late drivers to swim meets, and other visualization techniques for things going wrong helped Phelps’ stay cool, calm, and collected when things went awry.

Swimming blind was practiced and anticipated.

Expecting best-case scenarios will leave you disappointed and defeated. Unless you have a perfect life where everything always goes to plan (probably not you).

Expecting worst-case scenarios will leave you anxious with a mindset of doom and gloom.

However… Planning for both good and bad scenarios results in confidence, readiness, and resiliency.

This is anticipated imperfection.

I generally do not like to look to professional athletes to extrapolate fitness and nutrition strategies, but this is an exception.

As you plan your workout schedule, create some plan B and C workouts for when you have to stay at work late or when you get bad sleep.

When you try to eat healthier, think of some healthy takeout options for when you forget to meal prep or have to travel.

Whatever it is you’re trying to do, make a plan and think of some course corrections you could make to the obstacles that pop up in your life before they happen.

- Coach Nolan