News
Motivation
Whether last season finished on a high or a low, hopefully after reflection, and watching the world’s best athletes competing in the Paris Olympics Games, motivation to go after your own goals is likely high.
Last year we spoke about the importance of goal setting and creating good habits that can aid success, but sometimes having the goal and the willingness to do what it takes to achieve it are miles apart. Often athletes return to the season with a fresh perspective. Mentally stronger post summer vacation. Eager to start hard work and chase goals. Often this quickly dwindles when school is reintroduced, early morning sessions are difficult to wake up for, and how we feel in the water is different than we remember feeling at the end of last season. Motivation can dip. You are tired. You are sore. And you are already thinking ahead to winter break!
Let’s explore what it means to be motivated and harness some tools to help maintain discipline when it comes to achieving long-term goals.
Motivation: The Spark that Ignites the Journey
Motivation is the driving force behind any endeavor. For some, the motivation to train will be to achieve national teams, podiums, national meets, higher squads or personal bests. For others, swimming may be time with friends, fitness goals or a person’s happy place. Understanding what motivates you is crucial because it can fuel your dedication and perseverance.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation:
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It’s the joy of mastering a stroke, the satisfaction of improving your training set times, or the peace found in the rhythm of swimming. For many swimmers, intrinsic motivation is what keeps them coming back to the pool day after day, even when the progress seems slow.
Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, involves external rewards or recognition. This might include medals, personal bests, or the approval of coaches and peers. While extrinsic motivation can be a powerful force, it often needs to be balanced with intrinsic factors to sustain long-term commitment.
Setting Goals:
Clear, achievable goals can provide direction and purpose. Whether you're aiming to swim a certain event, improve a technical aspect of your stroke, qualify for a specific competition, or achieve a certain time, setting specific goals helps maintain focus and motivation. Break these goals into smaller, manageable milestones to track progress and celebrate achievements along the way.
Discipline: The Backbone of Success
Discipline is the steady force that turns motivation into tangible results. It involves the daily commitment to practice, persistence through challenges, and the ability to stay focused on long-term objectives despite short-term setbacks. In swimming, discipline manifests in several key areas:
- Consistency - Swimming requires regular practice. Unlike some sports where you might see immediate improvements, swimming is a sport of incremental progress. Discipline ensures that you maintain a consistent training schedule, even when you don’t feel like it or when results are slow. This consistency is what builds skill, strength, and endurance over time.
- Attention to Technique - Swimming is highly technical. Proper form is crucial to efficiency and speed, and perfecting technique demands patience and discipline. Whether it’s mastering a crossover turn or increasing your underwaters off a turn, disciplined practice allows you to focus on the finer details that make a significant difference in performance.
- Balancing Training and Recovery - Discipline isn’t just about pushing hard; it’s also about knowing when to rest. Overtraining can lead to injuries and burnout. A disciplined swimmer understands the importance of recovery and incorporates rest days, nutrition, and stretching into their routine to prevent overuse injuries and maintain overall health. It is common amongst younger athletes to have the desire to do ‘extras’ in terms of both swim sessions and land sessions. Extra’s are typically more beneficial to long-term performance when geared towards recovery (stretching, sleep, prehab routines) than extra hard work.
- Overcoming Mental Barriers - Swimming often presents mental challenges, whether it’s dealing with a tough workout, recovering from a poor performance, or facing competition pressure. Discipline helps swimmers develop mental toughness and resilience. Techniques like visualisation, positive self-talk, and goal setting are essential for overcoming these psychological barriers.
The Relationship Between Motivation and Discipline
Motivation and discipline are interlinked. Motivation often sparks the initial interest in swimming goals, but discipline is what ensures that this interest translates into meaningful progress. Here’s how they complement each other:
- Building Momentum - When motivation is high, discipline helps build momentum. A motivated swimmer is more likely to adhere to their training schedule, and consistent effort fuels further motivation. This positive feedback loop enhances performance and reinforces commitment.
- Handling Setbacks - Everyone faces setbacks, from injuries and illness to disappointing performances. During such times, motivation might falter, but discipline acts as a guiding force. It encourages athletes to stick to their routines, even when enthusiasm is low, helping them bounce back stronger.
- Sustaining Long-Term Success - Motivation can fluctuate, but discipline provides stability. By nourishing discipline, athletes create habits that persist regardless of fluctuating motivation levels. This steady approach is crucial for achieving long-term success and reaching higher levels of performance.
The Ripple Effect Beyond the Pool
The lessons learned from swimming extend beyond the pool. The discipline developed through hard training can be applied to various aspects of life, from academics to career pursuits.
The ability to set goals, maintain consistency, and persevere through challenges translates into enhanced productivity and resilience in everyday life. The discipline and motivation gained through swimming can help manage stress, improve focus, and boost confidence.