Olivier Poirier-Leroy is a former national level swimmer based out of Victoria, BC. In feeding his passion for swimming, he has developed YourSwimBook, a powerful log book and goal setting guide made specifically for swimmers. Sign up for the YourSwimBook newsletter (free) and get weekly motivational tips by clicking here.
Excuses are awful, insidious little things.
They hold us back from unleashing our true potential not only in the pool, but in any area where we strive to excel, whether it is in academics, our places of employment, or even our personal lives.
We dip into our bag of excuses because, well, they are shockingly easy to use. They are there, always ready, whispering to us to wait another day, wait until we feel better, wait until the time is “right.”
Wait, wait, wait.
Here are six excuses and things you should stop telling yourself the next time you strap on those goggles (or any other time for that matter!)–
1. I’m not talented enough.
History is filled with people and swimmers who succeeded despite an abundance of natural born talent. In fact, for many the in-grown talent is often a burden or a curse, as they glide along on their talent alone, never forging the skill of hard work. (How many times can you remember hearing about a particular swimmer, how talented they were, and how good they could have been?)
2. I don’t deserve it.
There are a couple reasons athletes have this pop through their mind. On one hand, making the decision to chase after our dreams makes us feel selfish. More commonly, I believe, is that we are laden with a belief that success only happens for others, and not ourselves.
3. I’m not ready.
Important, breaking news announcement—you’ll never be completely ready. Conditions will never be perfect, and you will never completely and absolutely “feel like it.”
4. I’ll never be as good as so-and-so, so why bother?
Your abilities and physical attributes are completely and utterly yours, so embrace it. You aren’t going to be the next Michael Phelps; you are going to be the first you, which in so many ways is much cooler.
5. It’s too late.
Is it, though? Whatever your swimming goals, I bet ya there is still time. (Now, that isn’t an excuse to procrastinate or wait further.) Dara Torres swam at an elite level well into her mid 40’s. If that isn’t inspiration to get your butt in the pool I am not sure what is.
6. I can’t do it.
It pains me to hear young athletes say this sentence. The solution? Learn the difference between “can’t” and “won’t.” Things you cannot do: Fly like Superman. Be a Transformer. Things you won’t do: Put your best effort in every chance you get. Focus on your strengths while improving your weaknesses. Show up early and stay late.
Can you think of any other excuses or things you tell yourself that you shouldn’t? List them in the comments below.
About YourSwimBook
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What if you always lead your group at practice, but come up short to everyone when you race? I nearly always lead my training group, but even some of the slowest people beat me in races.
Your day will come. Think of all the hard work you’re doing at the front of the lane, and imagine it’s money you’re saving while others are spending freely all the time. Keep saving (training hard), and the results that you are due will arrive when it’s time. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll beat all the swimmers behind you in practice, but that you will have completely earned what you’ll get, and you’ll know in your heart you were as good as you could possibly be. Nothing beats that!
After a 50 year layoff, I have voiced every single comment you made amd voice ” I am too old for this s…!” And; someone always hears me and laughs. Somedays, I wonder why I compete but the idea of challenging yourself in an aging body is sure fun to see what happens next- I actually I am a much better swimmer than when younger.
I’ve just moved into a new home for the kids and I.
Once we’ve settled I want to start the learn to swim classes and I’m 47 years young.
Never too late to start something new.
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hello from the other siiidddeeeeweee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ah ya
i am in school
I won’t be that person who’s lying on their death bed with no regrets! Because the greatest regret I have and live with every day is that I gave up.. I could come up with the best excuses to get out of training, and now I know I could have, but I didn’t..
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. You’ll regret it even more if you don’t start now that you know better. Why are you really holding yourself back?
Last year, at the age of 64, I raced my first TRI! Yes, it was only a Sprint, but I did it and came in 3rd in my age group! I wasn’t the fastest swimmer, but I didn’t give up. Just signed up for my next Sprint this May! I hope to have a better time this year!