Brian JohnsonChairman & Philosopher in Residence at Heroic

Dream Bigger Than You Think You Can

9 Sept 2026 · 1 min

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In this motivational monologue, Brian Johnson recounts coach Bob Bowman’s early identification of Michael Phelps’s potential when the future Olympian was just 11 years old. Bowman mapped out a 12‑year trajectory—Olympic trials in 2000, first Games in 2004, breakout performance in 2008, and peak in 2012—illustrating the power of dreaming big and planning far ahead. Johnson uses this story to challenge listeners to find a compelling personal vision, emphasizing that a vivid, long‑term dream is the first step toward extraordinary achievement.

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You may have heard the story of Bob Bowman, and he's working with Michael Phelps, who is not even a teenager yet. He's 11 years old and he can see his potential. And Michael's parents, he says, look, this is what I think we can do. Michael's a special kid. In the year 2000, he can be part of the Olympic trials. In 2004, I think he can make the Olympics. In 2008, I think he might be able to, you know, do some stuff that's interesting. In 2012, I think he's going to be hitting his peak. And his mom listened to it. She said, Bob, he's 11 years old. What are you doing here mapping out the next 15 years? What he was doing was dreaming big. As it turns out, Michael bought in, the family bought in, team felt. Not only did he make the trials in the year 2000, he made the Olympics. And of course, he did what he did in 2004, then he blew up 2008, and here we go. How about you? Do you have a dream that excites you? You gotta start with that vision of what's possible. You gotta start with that wish, that dream of what you really want to do with your life.