How To Achieve Consistency
Are your results always strong and consistent, or do
you experience extreme highs and lows, up and down like a yo-yo?
It seems that some swimmers would do almost anything for more consistency
in their results, which can sometimes range from brilliant to terrible all on
the very same day.
So where can you buy some consistency? There's only one place you can get it,
but there's no need to hurry, because it will always be right there waiting for
you....in your mind. This is where consistency lives. Let me show you how you
can get hold of it.
Consistency from your body originates from consistency in your mind. Listen to
this again - if you want consistency from your body, you must have
consistency in your mind. This means that if you put in a consistent
daily effort in your training, you will achieve consistent, solid results in
your meets.
This is not always easy. There will always be occasional training days when
you will feel less inspired, less strong or less energised than you normally
would - but the key is to put in the same amount of mental and physical anyway, regardless
of how you feel. It was said at the end of the Sydney 2000 Olympics that
this was the true secret behind Susie O'Neill's success - it came from mental
and physical consistency in her daily training.
Of course, this is not to say that you should do try to do this if you're
feeling ill, but assuming that you are feel physically OK, always try to put in
a similar consistent effort each day, physically and also mentally.
This
routines your mind into 'expecting' consistency in your results, and this
will begin to be reflected in your results at the meets as well.
Basically what I am
saying is to make consistency a daily habit, not just something you hope
will happen on the day of a big meet. If you make consitency a 'way of life',
then you will know what to expect when you go out to a meet, instead of
wondering what results your body is going to bring you that day!
They say success lies in our daily habits, and this is so true - your
training is the key to your success, so use it wisely. Your attitude each day is
going to reflect your results in the meets, so how is your attitude today? Are
you ready to put in a strong, consistent effort? If this is what you want in the
meets, this is what you have to do.
Make success a habit - a daily habit. This way you can't miss at the meets,
your success will be assured!
"The
Mind controls the body, and the mind is unlimited".
The best of success, Craig Townsend