Quick Dip: Why Should I Focus on What I Can Control?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Mindset | Read time: Under 2 minutes

You are halfway through a race and the swimmer beside you is ahead. You start thinking, “I’m going to lose,” and forget the things you practised.

You cannot decide how fast they swim. You can bring your attention back to what you need to do in the next part of your race.

Make your focus specific. “Go faster” gives you little direction. A reminder such as “tight streamline” or “swim to the wall” points to an action you have practised with your coach.

For example, you might be tempted to look sideways near the finish to see whether you are winning. Focusing on swimming all the way to your own wall helps you complete the race without that distraction.

Wanting to win is fine. Watching what other swimmers do can also be part of racing. The problem comes when thinking about them takes your attention away from your own swimming.

Before your race, choose one useful reminder with your coach. Practise using it in training so it is familiar when you need it at a meet.

Afterwards, check how well you carried it out. Did you keep swimming into the finish? Did you hold your streamline? Those details help you understand your performance alongside the time and placing.

You might still feel nervous or notice a faster swimmer. Each time your attention wanders, you can practise returning to your reminder.

Ask your coach: What short reminder would help me most in my next race?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team