MASTERING SWIM MOTIVATION: 8 TIPS TO GET YOU TO THE POOL

If you ask top athletes what makes them give 100% at every practice, the answer is simple: the thought of their goals being fulfilled.

But for the rest of us mortals, balancing family, work, and staying fit can make finding the motivation to train a real challenge. We need a few tools to help us overcome the laziness and just show up.

This guide will break down eight simple, practical tips that anyone can use to boost their motivation and keep showing up for their swim practice.

Dive Into: 8 Tips to Boost Your Swim Motivation

• Tip #1: Find Your Tribe (Train in a Group)
• Tip #2: Get a New Toy (Use Technology)
• Tip #3: Create a Deadline (Sign Up for a Race)
• Tip #4: Make it Fun (Listen to Music or Podcasts)
• Tip #5: Go Public (Use Social Media)
• Tip #6: Reward Yourself
• Tip #7: Use the 'Just Five Minutes' Rule
• Tip #8: Focus on the Feeling
• The Foundation: Set Tangible Goals
• A Final Dose of Inspiration (🎥 Watch Video)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tip #1: Find Your Tribe (Train in a Group)

For some, the social aspect is a huge boost. The thought of having other people waiting for you at practice creates accountability. You don't want to be the one that doesn't show up. If you're training alone and finding it hard, join a team.

Tip #2: Get a New Toy (Use Technology)

Another great motivator for those of us with a need for gadgets is a new technological toy to go along with your training.

• Use a heart rate monitor to track your effort.
• Get the latest augmented reality goggles or a smart device to track your swims.
• Join a swim platform to log your stats and compete with friends.
• Get daily swim workouts sent to your device.

Tip #3: Create a Deadline (Sign Up for a Race)

Triathlons, swimruns, or open water swims are a perfect way to create a tangible goal with a real date. This works like a charm. Nobody wants to be embarrassed or feel out of shape on race day. This basic human psychology can be enough to get you out of bed for that early morning workout.

Nowadays with so many race options out there to choose from, I am sure you can find a race that will fit your needs and skill level.

Tip #4: Make it Fun (Listen to Music or Podcasts)

A waterproof MP3 player can be a great way to break up the monotony of long practices and keep you motivated as you plow through the water.

Tip #5: Go Public (Use Social Media)

Many of us use Facebook, X, TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram, so why not use it to help with motivation? Set a goal to post a picture or video of yourself each time you work out and let others encourage you with their comments.

Tip #6: Reward Yourself

Set up a simple reward system. The reward doesn't have to be big. It could be your favorite post-swim smoothie, a relaxing 10 minutes in the sauna, or an episode of a TV show you're only allowed to watch after you've been to the pool. Creating a direct, positive association with your workout makes it much easier to show up consistently.

Tip #7: Use the "Just Five Minutes" Rule

On days when your motivation is at absolute zero, make a deal with yourself: just get in the water and swim for five minutes. That's it. If you still feel terrible after five minutes, you have full permission to get out.

But 99% of the time, the hardest part is just starting. Once you overcome that initial inertia and are in the water, you'll almost always find the energy to finish the workout.

Tip #8: Focus on the Feeling

Instead of thinking about the hard work of the practice, focus on the feeling you want to achieve. Remember the unique sense of weightlessness in the water, the quiet calm beneath the surface, or that incredible feeling of accomplishment after you've finished a great set. Sometimes, the best motivation isn't pushing yourself to do something hard, but reminding yourself of how good it feels.

The Foundation: Set Tangible Goals

To summarize all these examples: set some tangible goals and procedures. Use any means necessary to get you going, and you will see the change happen.

To get started, you can use a simple online spreadsheet to create a plan and follow it. Here are a couple of examples you can use as a template:

• Triathlon Training Plan
• Tri Log

A Final Dose of Inspiration (🎥 Watch Video)

If you prefer visual stimulation to get you going, check out the video below about how life puts walls in your path. Face the challenge, climb over, and never look back.

Have fun and if you want, let me know what it is that motivates YOU.