According to Minna Marsh, author of Mental Coaching, a sense of control is the key to coping with stress. Those who believe they can handle difficult situations are better able to cope with stress. A sense of control comes from believing you can cope, cope and cope well.
Many of the negative thoughts that cause stress are learned. So you can also learn to let go of them. Decide to start repeating positive thoughts in your mind, such as «I’ll give it my all again today» or «I’ve already learned how to use my hands». It may seem silly at first, but positive thoughts will stick in your mind just as much as negative ones. You can also make up or choose a positive power phrase for yourself. It could be «today I am closer to my goal» or «it is in adversity that I am good».
Forget expressions like «I started too late», «I can’t», «I can’t» or «I’m too short to be a good swimmer».
The goal is a journey
An inspiring and motivating goal is the swimmer’s internal engine.
A good goal is:
accurate
suitably challenging, but realistic
measurable
concrete
energizing
motivating
customisable
A good goal answers the questions what, where, when and how. For example: next summer I will be able to do a triathlon half-marathon or in a year’s time I will swim the 50m two seconds faster.
An outside source, such as your coach, can help you set a goal. However, it is important that the goal feels like your own. When your goal is right, you are likely to feel a strong inner motivation to achieve it.
«Create a strong image of the moment when your goal is achieved. Relive it. What do you see and hear about what it feels like to achieve the goal? Who will praise and encourage you after the race? Associate your mental images with something concrete, such as the swimsuit you’re training in and participating in the race.» – Mental health coach Päivi Steffen offers guidance.
