It's important for both elite swimmers and their parents to prioritize progress, commitment, and the essence of who the athlete is. Encourage swimmers to set their own goals and focus on the process of training and improving, rather than solely on results. Encourage parents to communicate with their child, emphasize progress and commitment, and trust the process. By working together and staying focused on what really matters, athletes can thrive and achieve their goals in a healthy and sustainable way. Here are some tips when you feel too much emphasis in being placed on your performance results.
Communicate your needs: If your parents are putting too much pressure on you to perform, it's important to communicate your needs to them. Let them know that you appreciate their support, but that you also need space to focus on your own goals and progress.
Set your own goals: Instead of focusing solely on results, set goals for yourself that emphasize progress and commitment. For example, you might set a goal to improve your technique or increase your training hours.
Focus on the process: Instead of getting caught up in the outcome of competitions, focus on the process of training and improving. Enjoy the journey and celebrate small victories along the way.
For Parents:
As a parent, it's natural to want your child to succeed and excel in their sport. However, it's important to be careful not to overemphasize results and to prioritize your child's well-being and development. Here are some tips for parents:
Communicate with your child: Talk to your child about their goals and aspirations, and make sure they are setting their own goals based on their interests and abilities.
Emphasize progress and commitment: Instead of solely focusing on results, emphasize the importance of progress and commitment. Encourage your child to work hard and celebrate their small victories along the way.
Trust the process: Trust that your child's coach knows what they're doing and has your child's best interests in mind. Avoid overstepping your bounds and putting too much pressure on your child.