Developing a Positive Swimming Mindset

In this article, we’ll provide advice, hacks and tips on the benefits of developing a positive swimming mindset.

What is a positive swimming mindset?

Having a positive mindset is a psychological attribute that enables swimmers to face situations in our sport with a positive attitude.

What are the benefits of having a positive swimming mindset?

Developing a positive mindset helps a swimmer to increase their control over their attitude.

Enabling them to be more positive, focused and optimistic.

Which can help to improve their training and competitive performance.

How a positive swimming mindset can help a competitive swimmer

Listed below are some examples of how a positive mindset can help a competitive swimmer.

Increased confidence

Swimmers with a positive mindset are usually increasingly confident and are more optimistic.

• As a result, they are normally more willing to make a commitment and put in the effort required to be successful in our sport.

More tolerant

Having a positive mindset usually makes swimmers more tolerant.

• As a result, they tend to be more willing to accept that things don’t always turn out how they want them to.
• They are also more prepared to learn from any mistakes.

Swimmers with a positive mindset are usually more resilient and are better at dealing with adversity or disappointment.

• As a result, they are more likely to redouble their efforts instead of giving up.

Coach Arthur says: “Swimmers should try developing a positive mindset with ‘a glass half full’ rather than ‘a glass half empty ‘attitude. As a result of developing a positive mindset, swimmers will be more relaxed and enjoy their swimming much more”.

Developing a positive swimming mindset

Listed below are some techniques to help develop a positive swimming mindset.

Listen to music

Many of the world’s top swimmers listen to music before a competition.

• It’s a great way of shutting out any unnecessary distractions and to help focus on creating a positive state of mind.

Being grateful

Recording all the good things in a swimmer’s life is another great way of creating a positive state of mind.

• Many swimmers add this list to their swimming log and refer to it regularly as a part of their positive mindset training.

We have produced a related article on the benefits of keeping a swimming log. Which you can view by clicking this link: swimming log

Using positive words

A common positive mindset training technique is practising using positive words such as ‘I can’ instead of ‘I can’t’. This helps replace any negative thoughts, with positive ones. This is often used in conjunction with swimming self-talk techniques.

Using positive phrases or mantras

Using positive phrases or mantras such ‘ok you’ve got this’.

• This is a commonly used technique, to help provide swimmers with extra motivation.
• This is also often used in conjunction with swimming self-talk techniques.

We have produced a related article on the benefits of swimming self-talk. Which you can view by clicking this link: swimming self-talk

Practice deep breathing

Practising deep breathing is a meditation technique.

• It is designed to help a swimmer to stay calm, relaxed and create a positive state of mind.
• Deep breathing can be especially effective when used as a part of a swimmer’s visualisation routine.

We have produced a related article on the benefits of dryland relaxation techniques. Which you can view by clicking this link: dryland relaxation

Practice visualisation

Visualisation is mental imagery, mental rehearsal and meditation techniques.

• It is used by most of the world’s top swimmers, to condition their brain to achieve positive outcomes.

We have produced a related article on the benefits of swimming visualisation. Which you can view by clicking this link: swimming visualisation

Set swimming goals

Setting short-term and long-term swimming goals is a great way to develop a positive mindset.

• Setting swimming goals helps establish and focus on clear targets, priorities and expectations.

We have produced a related article on the benefits of setting swimming goals. Which you can view by clicking this link: swimming goals

Eat well and drink plenty

To train and compete at their optimum, swimmers should ensure that they are consuming the right foods and are keeping well hydrated.

• Having a healthy diet also contributes to a sense of wellbeing and a positive mindset.

We have produced related articles, on swimming nutrition and swimming hydration. Which you can view by clicking these links: swimming nutrition | swimming hydration.

Focus on your performance

Swimmers should focus positively only on the things they can control, like the quality of their performance.

• They should not focus on the things they cannot control, such as the performance of other swimmers.

Try something new

Competitive swimming continues to evolve, with often new rules, new techniques and new types of equipment.

• Therefore, swimmers should positively embrace change and should not be afraid of getting out of their comfort zone.

Overcoming disappointment

Every competitive swimmer experiences some disappointment at some time during their competitive career.

• When that happens swimmers should not be too hard on themselves.
• They should remain positive and use it as an opportunity to honestly evaluate the situation.
• Then they should come up with a plan to help ensure that they can work towards overcoming their disappointment.

We have produced a related article on how to deal with swimming setbacks. Which you can view by clicking this link how to deal with swimming setbacks

Being a great team player

Although competitive swimming is seen by many as a solitary sport, gives the individual many opportunities to become a great team player.

• Positive social interaction between team members is a great way to develop a positive mindset, for example

Motivating your teammates with a positive word

Swimming training can be tough.

• A motivating ‘shout out’ such as ‘we’ve got this’ during a tough set can do wonders for developing a positive attitude for the whole team.

Praising a teammate

Congratulating a teammate with a sincere ‘well done’ for a great training or competitive performance can help foster a positive mindset in both swimmers.

• This can be especially effective when a senior swimmer praises a younger or a less experienced swimmer.

Talk to your coach

The primary role of a swimming coach is to impart their knowledge and experience, to help develop the swimmers in their charge to reach their full potential.

• By talking to their coach, swimmers may find the answer to their problem, which can be a very positive experience for both parties.

Being honest with yourself

Being honest and true to yourself is a great way for swimmers to develop a positive mindset.

• Many of the world’s top swimmers regularly and honestly review and record their performance, to ensure that they are training and performing at their optimum and they are on track with their swimming goals.

Smile

A smile can often be very effective in changing a negative situation into a positive one.

• Smiling is also a great way to de-stress. Swimmers should practice smiling regularly.

Be consistent persistently

Developing a positive mindset requires consistent and persistent practice to master.

• However, I’m sure that once you start developing a positive mindset, you’ll start enjoying your swimming and life in general much more.

Takeaways

Having a positive mindset is a psychological attribute that enables swimmers to face situations in our sport with a positive attitude.

• Developing a positive mindset helps a swimmer to improve their performance and increase their control over their attitude. This enables them to be more positive, focused and optimistic.
• Developing a positive mindset requires consistent and persistent practice to master.
• However, I’m sure that once you start developing a positive mindset, you’ll start enjoying your swimming and life in general much more.

We have produced a related article on improving a swimmer’s focus. Which you can view by clicking this link: improving a swimmer’s focus

We have provided a swimming resource library, containing links to all of our publications and blog articles. To access any article simply click on the attached page link: Swimming resource library

We produce a growing range of publications on a wide range of swimming subjects.

• These include competitive swimming drill publications for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle.
• For information regarding our portfolio please follow our link: Swimming publications

The Competitive Swimming Exchange is a Facebook group to help exchange ideas and information to collectively improve the sport we love.

• It’s an international group for all swimmers, coaches, teachers, masters, triathletes and swimming parents.
• In fact, it’s for all those who are interested in competitive swimming, either in the pool or in open water.