Unveiling the Depths of Swimmer’s Motivation

Swimmers navigate a sea of challenges throughout the season, from enduring two-a-day sessions to facing the perpetual sogginess that comes with the territory. Even the most dedicated swimmers find themselves grappling with commitment and motivation. In these moments of struggle, the key to staying afloat lies in connecting with your profound “why” as a chlorinated athlete.

Choosing a Why That Resonates

Selecting a meaningful “why” involves exploring various aspects, beyond external rewards that symbolize success. While winning a gold medal or smashing personal records are commendable goals, they can sometimes feel shallow and elusive. These external outcomes are susceptible to the unpredictable tides of bad workouts or disappointing swim meets.

To fortify your external “why,” delve deeper into the behaviors required to achieve those goals. By examining the intrinsic motivations that drive your swim journey, you gain a more robust and resilient foundation.

Examining the Core of Your Swim

Take a moment to reflect on the fundamental reasons that propel you into the pool each day. These intrinsic motivations are not tied to specific outcomes but revolve around the essence of the swimming experience:

• Passion for the Process: Enjoying the journey of working towards a goal.
• Pride in Effort: Finding satisfaction in the hard work invested.
• Adversity as Opportunity: Viewing each practice as a chance to overcome challenges.
• Love for Improvement: Exploring ways to move through the water more efficiently.

These intrinsic “whys” provide a sense of control, allowing you to persevere through challenging times, maintaining pride in your effort regardless of external circumstances.

Wisdom from an Olympic Champion

Breeja Larson, an Olympic gold medalist and NCAA champion breaststroker, offers valuable advice for swimmers navigating tough spells. She emphasizes the importance of revisiting the initial motivation, asking yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Reminding yourself of the starting point can reignite the flame that propels you through challenging moments, ensuring that every hour invested is worth the ultimate reward.

Beyond the Finish Line

While the allure of gold medals and records is undeniable, the journey and the process require a comprehensive toolkit of motivational strategies. Sit down with pen and paper or your smartphone notepad app, reflecting on both outcome and process-related motivations. This reflective exercise will fuel a well-rounded surge of motivation, propelling you through each swim workout with renewed vigor.