By Bri Groves, Swimming World College Intern
Graduation speeches act as the capstone to a career in academia, but sometimes their learnings get muddled in the accompanying emotion and celebration. While everyone loves a good makeup smearing, thought provoking, going-to-forget-this-after-all-the-graduation-hoopla speech, sometimes it’s helpful to look back and reflect on how that speaker’s wise words can impact you.
But, just in case you already forgot that monumental moment, here are five common graduation speech themes that also apply to swimming:
1. Setting Goals
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Setting goals for yourself helps define your sense of purpose. The process of creating goals narrows your focus, increases your motivation, and improves time management. Goals are like future plans; they are attainable, self-driven, and promote autonomy. Reviewing goals causes your mind to concentrate on how to achieve expectations. Rather than simply hoping you will improve, you begin to make regular progress. The accumulation of this progress over time not only leads to success, but also stimulates self-confidence and a positive mindset. With all these fabulous benefits, who wouldn’t want to break out their practice journal, grab a pen, and write down their aquatic aspirations?
2. The Prospect of Failure
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Mistake-driven learning is a process that gives individuals the opportunity to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Although no one enjoys the prospect of failure, the mind’s response to error can be incredibly beneficial. Bouncing back from an error requires problem solving and critical thinking. The mind must comprehend the source of the problem and devise a solution to prevent future errors. This process leads to higher retention of information, a reduced fear of failure, and future success. So the next time your coach asks why you breathed inside the flags, you can retort “mistake-driven learning.”
3. Following your Inspiration
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People perform best when they are internally invested in an activity. Finding your own inspiration provides the intrinsic motivation that no one else is capable of providing for you. Following this muse and expanding your horizons go hand in hand. When you are self-driven you are more willing to try new things and discover unexpectedly enjoyable new opportunities. Stay true to yourself and your interests (whether those interests include going a goal time or exploring the effects of chlorine on the production of pool-green hair is up to you).
4. Doing the “Right” Thing
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“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching” (C.S. Lewis). Too often the “right” thing is defined as what others would do, how they would behave, or what they would say. Chances are the right thing will vary by situation and person; integrity will not. Take time to help others, give back to the community, and contemplate decisions; but also know that doing the right thing can be as simple as choosing not to complain on the next set.
5. Seeking Balance
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A balanced lifestyle reduces stress, allows for rejuvenation of motivation, and helps diminish burnout. Balance does not mean being less passionate, it’s more about enjoying the occupation. Spending time on various activities allows you to appreciate the little things. So enjoy the sport, live in the moment, and appreciate your time in and out of the pool.