Are you tough?

Do you have what it takes to be a swimmer? This doesn’t just mean having speed and strength to win the match; this also means to be mentally strong. In tough situation, our mind gives up before our body does. As swimmers, it’s important to have the right mindset and the ability to control your mind.

Stay calm! You can’t get worked up if someone passes you in the lane, or you mess up on your breathing. It happens! If you lose control of your mind, it will just set you back even further. Both good and bad things can yield change, so just keep doing your best.

Learn and Fix! In addition to remaining calm in certain circumstances, it’s important to be aware of skills you need to work on. With no change, there won’t be better performance. Just remember to assess the situation to determine what is wrong and do your best to come up with a resolution.

Focus on yourself. Each and every day most people compare themselves to others. Someone may be swimming faster or someone might have better form. It’s easy to get beat up about this, but you are only demeaning yourself. You are strong, you are capable! Don’t focus on others and focus on yourself and your progress. 

Next time you’re hopping into the pool with others, stay positive. You will be happier and it will yield far better results than if you were to belittle yourself.  Again, your mind controls your body and your performance and only YOU control your mind.