Forgetting Everything's All Right?
For a lot of swimmers it's their self confidence that is holding them back. They tend to doubt their abilities, fearing at some point they'll look stupid or be shown to be a fraud and end up embarrassing themselves in front of everyone: I'm really not very good!
Oftentimes this can stem from trying to fit into what we think others expect of us:
I should be able to swim like an Olympian, always look good, always be smiling, find it easy to train hard, be thin, have the skin on a 19 year old, be strong, reliable and happy, and never have an off-day.
Of course none of us can ever measure up to that ideal so we end up feeling bad about ourselves. And since this expectation of perfection is constantly re-enforced by western society wherever we look, it can be a difficult pattern of thinking to break away from.
But here's a way to try. Seriously ask yourself this question:
Obviously this is very personal to you but your answer might be something along the lines of:
That right there is a positive identity that you can build from and face off those doubts. Something you can be proud of and live up to.
Someone once said that most of the time fear is just Forgetting Everything's All Right and perhaps it is. You're doing this because you enjoy it and because it's a positive in your life. So let's keep it real - all things considered you're actually doing just fine thanks very much!
Swim Smooth!
Oftentimes this can stem from trying to fit into what we think others expect of us:
I should be able to swim like an Olympian, always look good, always be smiling, find it easy to train hard, be thin, have the skin on a 19 year old, be strong, reliable and happy, and never have an off-day.
Of course none of us can ever measure up to that ideal so we end up feeling bad about ourselves. And since this expectation of perfection is constantly re-enforced by western society wherever we look, it can be a difficult pattern of thinking to break away from.
But here's a way to try. Seriously ask yourself this question:
Setting the negatives aside for a moment, what is it you are most PROUD about with
your swimming (or sport, or life in general)?
your swimming (or sport, or life in general)?
Obviously this is very personal to you but your answer might be something along the lines of:
"I'm a mum of three kids, I work full time, I didn't start this sport until I was 40 years old. Life's thrown a few things at me but I'm a survivor. I think I'm more motivated than most and certainly more organised, I work hard and I just love that buzz when I achieve a goal."
That right there is a positive identity that you can build from and face off those doubts. Something you can be proud of and live up to.
Someone once said that most of the time fear is just Forgetting Everything's All Right and perhaps it is. You're doing this because you enjoy it and because it's a positive in your life. So let's keep it real - all things considered you're actually doing just fine thanks very much!
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