Michael Phelps on the Small Steps that Build Greatness
At this year’s annual Forbes Under 30 Summit, the world’s most decorated swimmer stepped onto the stage and shared a simple yet powerful truth: “Greatness is a bunch of small things, done well, that stack on top of each other.” The words, delivered to a room full of young entrepreneurs and innovators, cut through the usual buzz of lofty goals and offered a clear blueprint for progress.
The Essence of the Quote
“Greatness is a bunch of small things, done well, that stack on top of each other,”
When Phelps spoke, he was not merely reflecting on his own career. He was pointing to a universal principle that applies to any field, from technology to finance to personal development. The phrase captures the idea that success is rarely a single moment of brilliance; it is the cumulative result of consistent, focused effort over time.
Consistency Over Time
Phelps’ record—23 Olympic medals, 16 gold—was built on decades of disciplined training. Each morning, he would arrive at the pool before sunrise, run laps, and then dive into a rigorous swimming routine. Small, incremental improvements in stroke technique, turns, and starts added up to world‑record times. In business, the same pattern holds: daily habits such as reviewing metrics, refining processes, or learning a new skill may seem modest, but when repeated, they generate significant growth.
Discipline and Focus as Foundations
Success in the pool demands more than talent; it requires a strict regimen of diet, rest, and mental preparation. Phelps’ focus on nutrition and recovery allowed him to train hard without burning out. Translating this to a corporate setting, disciplined planning—setting clear objectives, allocating resources, and monitoring progress—provides the structure needed to turn vision into reality.
Learning from Setbacks
Even the most accomplished athletes face injuries and defeats. Phelps endured a shoulder injury before the 2012 Olympics, yet he used the recovery period to analyze his technique and come back stronger. In the same way, setbacks in a startup or a career can be reframed as opportunities to reassess strategy, refine products, and strengthen resilience.
The Role of Community and Support
The Forbes Under 30 Summit, organized by a Forbes editor who joined the company in 2023 and has a background in covering Gen Z and the future of work, brings together a diverse group of young leaders. Phelps’ presence at this event underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with mentors, peers, and supporters who challenge and motivate. In business, building a network of advisors and collaborators can accelerate learning and open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
Applying the Principle to Daily Life
Beyond the boardroom, the same idea of stacking small actions can improve health, relationships, and overall well‑being. A daily 10‑minute walk, reading a chapter of a book, or practicing gratitude each night are all modest habits that, when maintained, lead to lasting positive change. By treating each day as a building block, individuals can create a life that reflects their long‑term aspirations.
Practical Ways to Stack Small Things
- Set micro‑goals: Break larger objectives into bite‑size tasks that can be completed within a single day.
- Track progress: Keep a simple log of daily achievements to visualize momentum.
- Prioritize quality: Focus on doing each small task well rather than rushing through it.
- Review regularly: Allocate time each week to assess what worked and what needs adjustment.
- Celebrate wins: Acknowledge even the smallest successes to reinforce motivation.
Why the Message Resonates Now
In a world that often celebrates overnight success, Phelps’ reminder that greatness is built from many small, well‑executed actions offers a grounded perspective. It encourages patience, persistence, and a focus on execution over hype. For entrepreneurs navigating uncertain markets, for professionals climbing the corporate ladder, and for anyone striving to improve, this principle provides a reliable roadmap.
Looking Forward
As the Forbes Under 30 Summit continues to spotlight emerging talent, the insights shared by leaders like Michael Phelps will shape the next generation’s approach to business and life. By embracing the idea that consistent, high‑quality effort accumulates into lasting impact, participants can move beyond ambition and toward tangible achievement.
