These thoughts can come in several different forms – some will be mental images (pictures) which float through the mind, physical feelings, and also a constant stream of inner dialogue (words) which are voicing how you feel about the race to come. It is crucial during this period that the mind is firmly directed to think positively about the approaching race. The conscious mind will always try to challenge the swimmer before a race, it will throw doubts, fears, worries and anxieties at them to test their mettle, but it’s their response to these thoughts which decides just how well they’ll go in that particular race.
Each time these negative thoughts must be completely erased or ‘squashed’, and replaced with something more positive. This is vital. Doubts, if not erased immediately, gather ‘fuel’ and become stronger and more intimidating, and they do not direct the body towards strong performances. Even worse, the mind knows exactly what thoughts to use to scare a swimmer before a race begins - they could be worries about their own ability, or intimidation and fear of other swimmers. This can make them very difficult to overcome if the swimmer is not careful.
The first step to overcoming negative thoughts is to notice them. Then you must erase them. Finally, you replace them. Notice them, erase them, and replace them. For instance, just before a race you might catch yourself thinking "I’m not good enough to win this race", as you are noticing the other swimmers in the marshalling area. As soon as you recognise that this is a negative thought, it must be erased mentally, the way you would delete something off your computer screen. This can be done effectively by inwardly saying to yourself ‘cancel that’ immediately after every single negative thought. This will eventually become an automatic ‘trigger’ for the mind to demolish that negative thought entirely. Next, follow this by mentally repeating a positive thought to yourself, something that makes you feel good just by thinking it - eg. "I’m getting better all the time".
Try this every time you feel challenged by doubt or fear, and eventually most of these thoughts will evaporate and disappear. Remember, it’s not just your thoughts that are important, but your reaction to them that counts. Once you’ve mastered your mind, you’ll have mastered your body.
