Tri Swim Coach Newsletter #140           
October 30, 2009
 

 
Dear Friend,

Last time we discussed procrastination and it's negative affects on
our mental health, and how beating yourself up usually results in
being demotivated and loss of enthusiasm.
 
Today let's take a look at procrastination's cousin- perfectionism!
 
If you look at a couple of the great physisists, only a tiny
percentage of their output was of any significant value. The
standard of what is good cannot be 100%.
 
In life, excellence and perfection has to be happiness.

Trying to achieve perfection results in stress, and the feeling of
always falling short.
It has been said that perfectionism is the enemy of the good. You
may have had a coach, teacher, or a parent that wanted perfection
out of you, "for your own good" of course.
But, once you are free of their influence, you have to let yourself
be free.

For example, if I feel that this newsletter must be perfect beyond
words, and the standard of perfection in all things triathlon
swimming, then 1) I wouldn't ever get it done, and 2) I would feel
anxiety (fearing attacks from other people). If to avoid this
anxiety I stick with this unachievable perfection standard, I am
actually reinforcing it! So perfectionism leads to stress which
leads to more perfectionism...etc.

In swimming as with life, good enough is good enough. Even Michael
Phelps has not achieved a "perfect" stroke or the "perfect" swim,
as fast as he is. That would mean he could not only never be
beaten, but that his record times would never be broken!

When you are working on your swim stroke, or improving your
endurance, it is important to let go of perfectionism. Remember,
the goal with all of this is happiness. This will allow you to move
through the drills and workouts with a lightness and enjoyment, and
a much better chance of success and moving to the next step in a
reasonable amount of time!

Enjoy,
Kevin

"The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in
nothing."
-Eugene Delacroix

The Essential Triathlon Swimming DVD (and Complete Tri Swim Coach
Package)
 
 

Tip of the Month
 

Building Strength

I'm constantly being asked about strength building for swimming.
Most of the time, when someone asks me that question, their bigger
problem is technique, not weak muscles. However, building strength
in the core muscles can definitely help improve your swim.

If you are more in the intermediate range of swimmers, it's a good
idea to focus on strength training in the off season- whether it's
hitting the gym, or just doing basic exercises at home. Doing yoga
or pilates can also give you the strength in the water that you
will need to take your swim to the next level.

Click Here for sample strength training workouts and The Complete
Guide to Triathlon Swimming Package!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook!

twitter.com/triswimcoach
http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Diego/Tri-Swim-Coach/46195403558

Sincerely,
 
Kevin Koskella
Tri Swim Coach

p.s. I've received dozens of emails about the Waterproof Workout
Cards. We are still out of stock but I'm about to place an order
for more. Stay tuned for an email in the next few days on how you
can reserve your set!