TWO KEYS TO SUCCESS or possibly THE two keys to success

One of our high school boys was just offered a spot as a walk-on to a major Division I university swim team. As a result of this offer he was granted admission to the school and helped with a modest academic scholarship. He was told that if he swims fast enough he will also be granted some athletic scholarship assistance.

What a day for this young man!

Indeed what a day for our entire team...

What came with this offer was the following statement from one of the coaches at that university. "What he needs to do between now and this fall is show up every day and separate himself from the common Marin County boy."

Wherever you live there are "common" traits for youth in your area. Here in Marin County California some of the common traits include parents setting expectations very high for their kids; plenty of money to make life at the very least comfortable - some would say cushy; a car to drive when you hit 16; enough money to go to swim meets, buy new gear, not have to work a job (or even a summer job) and in general smooth out the bumps in the road. Parents here don't let their kids fail (at least not very often).

At the risk of generalizing you can drop a blanket over most of the population of the youth in any given area and not miss too many of them. They look and behave much like one another. Sociologists will tell you that the great enigma in any group of humans is that they simultaneously want to stand out from their peers while being a member of the group.

In our team meeting last week Ken put this challenge for our swimmer so beautifully, so succinctly. "Yes, it is important to show up every day. That, in and of itself is not enough. You must be willing to be uncommon." His call to action was for our team to look at what they are doing and figure out how their goals can be met. A very large part of their success will depend upon their willingness - individually and collectively - to separate themselves from the common Marin County youngster.

Be successful. Be uncommon.

Goal Setting at the Beginning of a New Season

The way our season is set up here in Northern California we have 4 training blocks. The Fall season is the most important in our eyes as it is the longest and therefore has the biggest chance for training our swimmers’ capacity for physiological change. It is also the beginning of the “Swim Year” 2011-2012 which is an Olympic Year which has a very significant impact on attention and focus. All coaches and swimmers, regardless of ability, can use this to boost their individual game, feeding upon the emotional charge of those aiming for London. Also, there are several swimmers who will make the US Team that no one is considering today here in early October. It happens every single time.

So, this is a perfect time to revisit the subject of goal setting. This is the handout that will go to our swimmers at North Bay Aquatics at tomorrow’s team meeting. See if there is something here that will help you; and as always, let us know how it is going for you!

Goal Setting Process

This is not the only way to work when setting your goals. It is, however, a proved process and we suggest you consider the steps before moving forward. You will need a paper and pencil and a little time. You can begin whenever you want, take a pause in the steps, and then return as time allows. We do know this for certain, no one in history has ever made a significant improvement – and retained it – without writing a goal down. Please, at the very least do that much.

Step One: Take Responsibility.

If you are not responsible for something you cannot change it so this is the first and most important step. For instance, if you want to break 2:00 in the 200 and to do so you will need to get into really good shape and have excellent technique, then you need to be responsible for that part of the process. No one is keeping you from doing that.

Step Two: Investigate and Eliminate.

You are going to ask yourself a few questions so here is where the paper and pencil come in handy.

1 – Ask yourself what it is you want. Write it down…sub 2 minutes for the 200.

2 – Ask, why I want this. Write it down…I want this because it will qualify me for the next big meet; it will improve my chances for being on the A relay; it will help my college prospects.

3 – This one may seem counterintuitive but it is very important. Ask yourself why you do NOT want this to happen. Now you may wonder about this one…but of course I want this, why wouldn’t I? Well, let’s consider this for a minute…Now the coaches will expect more from me; to really get this I will have to miss some social functions and those may actually be more fun; I’m not sure I want the pressure of competing at this faster level…

The point here is that there are going to be ramifications in your current life if you actually dig in and make a change – said another way, if you set a goal, work toward it and then achieve it your life will be different and you need to be ready for that difference.

The main purpose of this second step is to find what you want and to eliminate those things that will stand in your way.

Keep in mind that the number one thing people resist is change; even if it is for the better! This is not rocket science. The way to change anything in your life: 1 – eliminate what isn’t working for you and 2 – replace it with what you want.

If you know your stroke needs tuning up then simply do it…that is, work on the things you know need fixing. Ask one of us to help you. And then do it. Stop “trying” and start “doing”. Even if you are only able to do it correctly for a lap or two before you get tired. Start now and work forward from this point. Think about this sentence: It takes preparation and work to make a change, large or small, but it does not take time. It may take time for anyone to notice the change but it doesn’t take time to make the change.

So, get your pencil and paper out and start the process. Think about what you would like to have happen – short, mid and long term, as we discussed last week. Even you polo players can begin the process. And of course you can do this for your polo season as well.

Sooner than later we need you to turn in your goal sheets so we can look them over and share our feedback with you. This doesn’t need to happen today but it does need to happen. Spend some time thinking about why you want what you want and then some time why you may not want it. In the end, we need you to come up with a few goals that you are willing to work toward.

This season is going to be a very special one for our team, and that means for you. To capture the full opportunity we all need focus. Goals give us that focus; goals give each day meaning and purpose. Very few things match the satisfaction of a person who knows what she/he wants and is “willing and able” to execute the plan. We will help provide the “able”; you let us know about the “willing”.

Ideas for the New Year

It is often the New Year when we re-evaluate where we are and what we want to tackle in the months ahead. It is with this in mind that we offer the following excerpts from an article in the December issue of Ultra Running magazine from Editor Tia Bodington.

"On a casual basis, one might think that the words "hope", "dream" and "goal" signify pretty much the same thing: something you want." She goes on to say that she looked in her dictionary to see the differences in the words and found this.

"Hope - a feeling that what is wanted can be had.

Dream - an aspiration, a wild or vain fancy.

Goal - an achievement toward which effort is directed, purpose or intent"

To paraphrase Bodington, "hope is a passive emotion" while "dream is a bit more concrete...something you might muse about and wonder how you might turn it into reality if you were to take action."

We liked her choice of words here (remember she is an editor!)..."A goal, though - now, goals are different. A goal is something you decide is important enough to mold your life around. Something you sit down at your desk with pencil and paper...When you have a goal, you actually follow that plan." These are powerful distinctions to be sure.

We think of how important hopes and dreams are. They shape the direction in which we lean. Yet without goals we are not able to really harness all the resources life has to offer.

W.H. Murray wrote a brilliant paragraph on this subject.

Until one is committed there is hesitance, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that moment when one definitely commits oneself then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt could have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: "Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has a genius, power and magic in it".

Pretty powerful stuff here we admit; the same point from two different sources. The goal is something you make a plan for and then on which you take action. 2009 is a fine time to put those hopes and dreams into action. We will join you as well. Let us know how it goes for you!

Goal Setting Process - Step Three

The first two steps - taking responsibility and then identifying and eliminating obstacles - are followed by the third step, the one everyone usually wants to start with. The third step is design and create a plan to produce the results you want.

We are paraphrasing Natalie Reid here from page 102 (5 Steps to a Quantum Life). All of us have the same set of tools with which to work. That means ALL OF US! People who achieve goals in life and those who do not have the same tool kit available to them. Some use the kit; others do not.

• Choices and Decisions


• Thoughts and Feelings


• Attitudes and Beliefs

Additionally, all of us get the same resources.

• Inspiration: this is the thing you want


• Vision: the picture of you when you have it


• Anticipation: the expectation that it will be yours

Think about this for a moment; the only difference between you and Natalie Coughlin or Michael Phelps is how you use your tool kit and your resources to mold your world.

In examining your tool kit the two most important tools are choices and beliefs. If you change either one a domino effect takes place changing all the others. If you make the choice to become comfortable underwater on your turns you will decide to do so in practice; you will think about it more often; you will feel proud of your accomplishment; you will develop the attitude that you can always do this; and finally you will believe in yourself and your ability to do this task. Or you can begin at the other end believing in yourself; then work backwards to the choice of doing this task everyday in practice.

The resources work this way: you are inspired to do this because it will make you a faster swimmer leading to more advanced racing opportunities. You have a clear picture, a vision, of how you look and feel turning this way. Finally, there is the anticipation that this skill is yours.

As you go about your goal setting for the week, month, season, year - it matters not what the time frame is - keep in mind that we all start out in the same place with the same tools and resources available to us.

Many people look at you and wish they could be like you. Do you ever catch yourself looking at another(s) and wishing you could be like them? We are all the same in that we have opportunities in front of us daily. We have the same tools and resources.

The question that is there for the answering is: What we - coaches and swimmers alike - going to do with this spectacular opportunity?

Goal Setting Process

As Promised...

Last week we shared what we are doing with our team at the beginning of goal setting. This is the second installment of the process. It involves some personal thought and a bit of "homework" in that ideas and objectives need to be written down. We ask our swimmers to take their time with this process. We want their responses eventually but we are not pressuring them for their ideas. At some point we will declare we need everyone to turn in to us their work; however we feel it is important for them to take time to really think about their goals and the corresponding commitment to them. What follows is our handout from last week. Let us know what you think!


Goal Setting Process

This is not the only way to work when setting your goals. It is, however, a proved process and we suggest you consider the steps before moving forward. You will need a paper and pencil and a little time. You can begin whenever you want, take a pause in the steps, and then return as time allows. We do know this for certain, no one in history has ever made a significant improvement - and retained it - without writing a goal down. Please, at the very least do that much.

Step One: Take Responsibility.
If you are not responsible for something you cannot change it so this is the first and most important step. For instance, if you want to break 2:00 in the 200 and to do so you will need to get into really good shape and have excellent technique, then you need to be responsible for that part of the process. No one is keeping you from doing that.

Step Two: Investigate and Eliminate.
You are going to ask yourself a few questions so here is where the paper and pencil come in handy.
1 - Ask yourself what it is you want. Write it down...sub 2 minutes for the 200.
2 - Ask, why I want this. Write it down...I want this because it will qualify me for the next big meet; it will improve my chances for being on the A relay; it will help my college prospects.
3 - This one may seem counterintuitive but it is very important. Ask yourself why you do NOT want this to happen. Now you may wonder about this one...but of course I want this, why wouldn't I? Well, let's consider this for a minute...Now the coaches will expect more from me; to really get this I will have to miss some social functions and those may actually be more fun; I'm not sure I want the pressure of competing at this faster level...
The point here is that there are going to be ramifications in your current life if you actually dig in and make a change - said another way, if you set a goal, work toward it and then achieve it your life will be different and you need to be ready for that difference.

The main purpose of this second step is to find what you want and to eliminate those things that will stand in your way.

Keep in mind that the number one thing people resist is change; even if it is for the better! This is not rocket science. The way to change anything in your life: 1 - eliminate what isn't working for you and 2 - replace it with what you want.

If you know your stroke needs tuning up then simply do it...that is, work on the things you know need fixing. Ask one of us to help you. And then do it. Stop "trying" and start "doing". Even if you are only able to do it correctly for a lap or two before you get tired. Start now and work forward from this point. Think about this sentence: It takes preparation and work to make a change, large or small, but it does not take time. It may take time for anyone to notice the change but it doesn't take time to make the change.

So, get your pencil and paper out and start the process.

The Beginning of Goal Setting

When we start our season we communicate directly with our team in a team meeting and follow the topic up by sending an electronic copy of our meeting notes. This way we have made every attempt to make sure each swimmer has seen and or heard our pitch. The following letter is a sample of what we are looking for in the way of feedback and information from them. You will tailor it to your individual situation to make it relevant. This letter is to our Senior team but the same could be done in a scaled down version to an age group program or high school team. Make certain that the parents are copied so they will know what you are asking for.

Even if you are a Masters swimmer or a fitness athlete this same process works. It is critical to the eventual success of your goals to begin with some sort of self diagnostic tool. Everyone wants to jump right to the goal setting part. We'll cover some specific ideas about that next week but for today see if this makes sense to you. Please feel free to comment and critique. We always want to learn!


Dear Swimmers,

As we look forward to our next season we, your coaches, are really excited about the direction of the Senior team. We had a wonderful season with virtually all members improving, some in spectacular fashion.

When we - meaning you the swimmers and us the coaches - look at the make up of our team we can pretty much see all swimmers on one of four paths. The paths look like this to us:

• Path 1 = Competing effectively at the National level


• Path 2 = Qualifying for National meets while competing effectively at the Sectional level


• Path 3 = Qualifying for Sectionals and learning to be comfortable at that level


• Path 4 = Swimming effectively at the high school level as well as competing at Senior Meets while working on Sectional qualifying

All 4 paths are valid and welcome on our team. Not everyone has the desire, the time or the willingness to compete in the National spotlight. That being said, for those of you who do want to see how far you can get and have all the tools necessary to get there, we want to know about it so as coaches we can help you achieve your goals. We can also help in making your goals in the pool be in sync with what you are willing and or able to put onto it. For instance, wanting to compete effectively at the National level but only training 3 or 4 times a week due to other commitments or interests would be an example of goals and commitment not being in sync. Playing another sport or taking a long vacation at an important juncture of the season would be another element in helping determine what you want to attain in swimming and needs to be considered.

We are asking you to define your intention. Which path are you currently on? To which path do you aspire? (You can ALWAYS change your intention, your declaration). Our intention is to help you achieve what you desire, to get where you want to go. This is an exercise in helping you get where you want to be. It rarely, if ever, works for us to tell you what we think you should do, especially if you are not able or willing to put in the time and effort. If you watched any of the Olympic coverage, any sport, the athletes you saw got there because they wanted it. It is ultimately not possible to achieve someone else's goals for you. It is always possible to achieve yours.

Every single swimmer on our team is important to us; we mean EVERY swimmer. Our task, indeed our mission in life, is to assist you in reaching your declared level of aspiration. It is really that simple.

So please tell us, which path are you currently on?

If you have greater aspirations, a different path, tell us that as well.

We honor all swimmers.

The Power of One Human Mind

This is simply too good. We had to share with all of you. Devon DeMont is the 16 year old daughter of Swim Coach Direct founder Ken DeMont. The Western Zone Gold Sectional meet is next week in Bakersfield. This is a high end US Swimming Senior competition, one that most older swimmers in California and surrounding states strive to attend. Getting "cuts" (qualifying times) is a major season's goal for many swimmers. Devon trains with North Bay Aquatics in northern California. She is in the Senior training group. She made it a goal this year to achieve at least one Sectional cut. The event she was aiming for was the 50 freestyle. And an interesting thing happened on the way to achieving this goal.

Thursday, at the summer Junior Olympic Swim Championships in Concord, CA, Devon swam 100 meters of freestyle in 1:02.15 seconds, improving an impressive 2.8 seconds from her previous best time of 1:04.9...and in the process got her first ever Sectional Qualifying time standard.

Four items of interest in this story are:

1 - Devon was shaved and partially rested for the meet

2 - Devon did swim in a BlueSeventy high tech swim suit

3 - Devon did some visualizing the night before her swim. She wanted to work on her race, keep calm and give herself the best chance to race well. She also used a stopwatch in her visualization. This is a skill we teach, one we have used for 30+ years with our swimmers. She closed her eyes and swam her race and when she hit the touchpad in her personal "movie" she stopped the watch. The time on the face read 1:02.11, a mere .04 (that's four one hundredths!) of a second off her actual swim time. Does visualization work? You will have a very hard time convincing Devon that it doesn't!

4 - At the end of the day, the meet, the season, it is the swimmer in the suit, not the suit the swimmer is in, that matters. Devon has had her eye firmly on the target - getting a Sectional cut - for 5 weeks now. She has been training for years but for the last 5 weeks all of her actions have supported her goal.

We had several swimmers this weekend achieve goals similar to Devon's. I (Don Swartz) chose to highlight her in this instance because of her visualization drill. We are proud of all our swimmers. They are attempting to do something special. They are not willing to be "one of the gang". Average is not something they settle for. Swimming fast doesn't make you a better person. It simply makes you a faster person in the water.

Striving for excellence - your own brand of that - is what makes you special, what sets you apart from the crowd. We are fortunate to have a pool full of special people who happen to be swimmers.

Motivation

Last August at the US National Swimming Championships, Erik Vendt (who won the 1500 meter freestyle at the meet) made a pact with Club Wolverine teammate Michael Phelps to not miss a day of training until they both made the Olympic team this year. The Olympic Trials, the meet in which they are pointing for is now about 60 days away. I have no doubt that both Michael and Erik have been true to their training goals, and will no doubt continue their dedication if and when they make the Olympic team and compete in Beijing. It is easy to see what motivates them to train with such unrelenting determination. Their motivations are easy to decipher.

Most of us do not have such defined goals in our lives. Most of us are not out to be the best in the world. But there are things we can certainly take from those that are on top as we strive for personal growth, whatever that may mean to you.

We can take the idea of having a goal to shoot for. A goal needs to be something that is fairly specific in order to be effective. To say that you will get in shape or that you will start training in the pool sometimes is not specific enough to capture the imagination for most individuals. To say that you will train 3 times a week or that you will be ready to compete at a Masters meet in 3 months and record a specific time in an event will lead to much more success in achieving something meaningful and satisfying.

We can also take the idea of having someone there to keep you honest in your pursuits. Having a partner or partners in your quests makes it that much easier to be accountable for staying with your pursuits. It also can make it that much more fun.

So pick a specific goal to shoot for, and if possible, share it with someone who can help you get there. Your motivations will stay more consistent and you will get to where you want to be.

Then when you get there, get ready to reset your goals!