What is Success?

Today's post is about success.  I spent the day yesterday doing some reflecting on our season thus far and where we currently stand.  After reflecting on all of this I realized some very important factors that go into making each athlete successful.

There are three very important factors that go into the formula of success. 

1. Workouts: The workouts need to be designed for success and this is the job of the coaching staff.  It is also the job of each athlete to communicate to their coaches what he/she believes/feels they may need. 

2. Work Ethic: What you put into each workout is what you will get out of it.  Coaches want to be able to see the desire through their athletes' effort.  We understand that some days are a struggle, but 100% effort can still be given.  Not every day is going to be your best day, but what you can do is do your best!  When a coach notices an athlete struggling, they should be able to ask the athlete what they are focusing on and the athlete should be able to say "streamline, turns, breakouts, pullouts, stroke count, hand postion, etc."  Even if the athlete may have an off practice and is not able to practice to their daily potential, they can always focus on good technique so they can get something our of each workout.  When you walk onto the pool deck each athlete needs to think about what he/she can do to improve today?  When you walk off of the pool deck each athlete needs to ask himself/herself what they did to improve today?  These are questions that need to be asked each and every practice. 

3. Attitude: Your attitude can really define not only your character but your level of success.  Having a positive mental attitude sets you up to achieve your goals.  It also helps push you through those challenging times when you feel like you cannot keep going.  "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference & the only disability in life is a bad attitude." 

Here is a short motivational video that may help you understand how success is about picking yourself up one more time:   How Winners Are Made

They say that 'Talk is Cheap' and I believe this.  There are so many times when we say we will do something and we do not.  It is not because your failed that it did not happen, but it happened because you did not try.  As long as you can say that you tried your best you will never fail!  Saying your goals is not enough, you must take action!  At times you will feel afraid of a set, or feel like you can’t breathe or move is when you need to have your positive attitude and thoughts remind you of your goals or simply to suck it up and get after it. 

You need to find a positive thought or saying that works for you. Something that will push you the extra 5 yds on an underwater when you want to breathe. Something to tell yourself before a set when you may not want to give 100% effort because you are afraid.  Something that tells you to believe in yourself!