Sports Psychology and the art of feeling good about yourself....or not

Interestingly, my self-esteem issues seem to be given a rest when I swim or run, not b/c I do either one so fast, but b/c the process of trying to get faster is so interesting and so free of any kind of connection to who I am. Paradoxically, I think it HELPS in my case that I've NOT been a star in sports. I can go to the pool or out running and be free of the pressure to perform b/c no one expects me to be super fast, no job or scholarship is on the line, and any step forward is good. My swim coach has one of either of these pieces of advice on his workout sheets-- either "Go your own pace. Don't worry about what others are doing" or "Do the best that you can do. Don't worry about what others are doing." I've been trying to apply that advice elsewhere too--to life generally.

Originally posted by Fishgrrl Confession time: I struggle with a committee in my head (and I've tried to ignore 'em) that tells me things like...."you suck"..."you'll never get any better", blah blah blah. Now that BillS has encouraged me to delete that dreaded work from my lexicon, I am sure that another one will pop up. I know this is kind of a rant....but how does one really feel good about themselves as a swimmer yet avoid being delusional? Seriously....how do you keep a balance of positive thinking while being able to honestly regard how you swim and what needs to change/improve? What do you guys do? Is it good coaching, simply having a solid self esteem in the first place....?? Is it simply that people carry their low self esteem into the water...if so, how do you overcome that...? I know them little comittee voices in my head are just a bunch of mean little liars. I know better then to listen to liars. I tune them out like I tune out destructive relatives. ;) To keep balance, you set little realistic goals, things you know you can attain with a little stretch, but without killing yourself. Over time those little goals will add up to progress. Every time you attail one of those little goals, give yourself a little pat on the back for accomplishing it.

I tend to listen to my coach who also happens to have a masters degree in sports psychology. :D

Thanks everyone for all of your encouraging words. Practicing being a good self coach...it's hard sometimes but I'm tired of the alternative. Karen - I'm ordering a kiddie LiveStrong band!