As a kid, chess was the first thing I studied in a structured way that helped me gain the discipline to study medicine and become successful doctor.
The pool is terrible, but that doesn't have much to do with my record swims. That's all mental attitude.
Everyone loves to be loved.
If you have a lane, you have a chance.
Swimming isn't everything - winning is.
The only side effect of too much training is that you get into better shape. There is nothing wrong with that.