A couple of months ago, I wrote here about my decision to take part in a charity swimming challenge. I've always considered myself a non-swimmer. I'd never worn goggles or a swimming cap, and was more or less phobic about putting my face in the water. I'd only got over that incredible fear by snorkelling in Galapagos last year.
22 miles swimming in 12 weeks.
1416 laps of my local pool.
What's more - they wanted us to post #swimhat selfies... Could anything be less flattering?!
Still, I need a challenge. And this was certainly going to be a challenge.
So, with my rather sedate, head-above-the-water breast stroke, I signed up with the increased motivation of knowing that I'd raise some money to help those with spinal cord injuries.
22 miles swimming in 12 weeks.
1416 laps of my local pool.
What's more - they wanted us to post #swimhat selfies... Could anything be less flattering?!
Still, I need a challenge. And this was certainly going to be a challenge.
So, with my rather sedate, head-above-the-water breast stroke, I signed up with the increased motivation of knowing that I'd raise some money to help those with spinal cord injuries.
You can read more of the story in my forthcoming "Confidence Within" book, which I hope to publish before the end of the year.
Drop me an email if you'd like to know when it's available.
The short version is...
In the end, it wasn't the end. I taught myself to swim a little bit more every day.
I plunged myself in London's Olympic Swimming Pool, where I had to teach myself all over again. Mastering 50 meters without stopping to turn was quite the challenge.
I even ended up being able to swim like a semi-normal person with my head underwater, co-ordinated breathing and all sorts of previously unimaginable feats.
I won't say that I learned to love swimming. But I did learn to love the way it made me feel.
Knowing that each morning I'd ticked off a part of my to do list before breakfast, helped myself get fitter and helped raise money for people with life-changing injuries was very motivating.
It built my confidence in the pool. And it built my confidence out of the pool. If I could "swim the channel", I could surely master other things I'd previously thought impossible.
So I kept swimming.
Less than 10 weeks later, I've swum the equivalent of getting to France and back - over 44 miles.
Over 2800 lengths of my pool.
And, I have raised over £800 for charity, thanks to the kind donations of friends, family and strangers.
So what's all this got to do with your confidence, you might be asking?
As I've been swimming, I've had a lot of time to think. Alongside this, I've been working on my Confidence Within book, and coaching people to improve their confidence in their day-to-day lives. Three things stand out, that you can do, today.
Drop me an email if you'd like to know when it's available.
The short version is...
In the end, it wasn't the end. I taught myself to swim a little bit more every day.
I plunged myself in London's Olympic Swimming Pool, where I had to teach myself all over again. Mastering 50 meters without stopping to turn was quite the challenge.
I even ended up being able to swim like a semi-normal person with my head underwater, co-ordinated breathing and all sorts of previously unimaginable feats.
I won't say that I learned to love swimming. But I did learn to love the way it made me feel.
Knowing that each morning I'd ticked off a part of my to do list before breakfast, helped myself get fitter and helped raise money for people with life-changing injuries was very motivating.
It built my confidence in the pool. And it built my confidence out of the pool. If I could "swim the channel", I could surely master other things I'd previously thought impossible.
So I kept swimming.
Less than 10 weeks later, I've swum the equivalent of getting to France and back - over 44 miles.
Over 2800 lengths of my pool.
And, I have raised over £800 for charity, thanks to the kind donations of friends, family and strangers.
So what's all this got to do with your confidence, you might be asking?
As I've been swimming, I've had a lot of time to think. Alongside this, I've been working on my Confidence Within book, and coaching people to improve their confidence in their day-to-day lives. Three things stand out, that you can do, today.
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Swimming lessons
1) Let go of your fears It's okay not to feel confident from day one. But to achieve something new, first you have to set aside the fears that are holding you back. Refuse to let your fears stop you from trying. It would have been easy for me to say, "I'm a rubbish swimmer, so I won't pick up this challenge." Now I've raised almost £900 for charity. Seeing people turning up to the pool in a wheelchair definitely helped me stay focussed. They had no fear, why should I? 2) Set a goal and write it down The simple act of committing my goal to paper, and sharing it with thousands of people on social media, really drove me to keep going when I thought I couldn't. When we write a goal down, it becomes real, and less vague. Our energies conspire to make it happen, rather than finding ways to avoid starting. Try it. 3) Get regular exercise When you are in flow, feeling the burn, whether it's running, swimming, dancing, lifting, rowing, skating, power walking, or any other form of aerobic exercise, it's hard to think about much else. The one thing you do think of is the breath that keeps you going. Your posture improves, your breathing improves, and yes, your confidence improves. It's hard to feel like you're capable of anything if you've spent the entire day welded to the sofa in front of the TV. Add 15 minutes of exercise a day (preferably in the morning) to your daily routine and watch how you feel healthier and more confident. |
If you've been helped by anything in the Confidence Within blog, or on our Facebook Page, I'd love it if you could donate. Either click on the JustGiving link, or, Text 70070 with the message HHPT67 £1 (you can change the amount). You'll also have the chance to gift aid it if you live in the UK, meaning the charity will get 25% more. The Aspire Charity does great work helping those with irreparable spinal injuries build their lives and confidence back. |
I still have a few private coaching/worskshop slots available this year, but I'm now focussing on finishing my Confidence Within e-book and taking bookings for next year. Do get in touch if you want some more help, or to be added to the mailing list when the book comes out. Or follow me on Twitter.
Stay Confident! Be Your Most Awesome You. And read how I celebrated success on my wine blog.
Stay Confident! Be Your Most Awesome You. And read how I celebrated success on my wine blog.
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