Read at your own risk
In the realm of competitive swimming—and arguably, life itself—the concept of a “system” is often touted as the bedrock of success. Systems orchestrate organizations, but it’s people who breathe life into these structures.
This begs the question: What fuels people? Is it a set of core values, a guiding compass of principles?The irony of the self-help industry doesn’t escape me. The existence of this profitable sector suggests that if you’re seeking help from it, perhaps you haven’t quite “helped yourself.” Ideally, the ultimate self-help guide would be one that requires only a single reading, hardly a viable business model for an industry thriving on repeat consumption. Reflecting on my early days as a college graduate and novice coach, my shelves were lined with these books, each promising the elusive “secrets” to success.
My journey through coaching, personal challenges, and self-discovery led me to formulate what I’ve termed “The Four S System.” Initially conceived as “The Three S System,” it evolved with time and the hard-earned wisdom gained from navigating the lows of anxiety and depression. This framework remains a work in progress, rich with potential for deep exploration. Here, I’ll introduce its core components succinctly, aiming to spark reflection rather than provide an exhaustive treatise.
The Four S System
- Self-Confidence: The pinnacle of the pyramid, self-confidence is crucial for success in both life and swimming. It often marks the thin line between the good and the great, between an Olympian and an Olympic medalist.
- Self-Awareness: Without self-awareness, self-confidence can veer into the realm of disaster. True self-awareness involves recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. It’s essential, but as they say, knowing is only half the battle.
- Self-Reliance: Stemming from self-awareness, self-reliance embodies the application of this knowledge. It’s a potent yet elusive trait, especially in a generation taught to believe in what Johnathan Haidt refers to as the “three great untruths” in The Coddling of the American Mind.
- Self-Acceptance: The foundational stone of the system, self-acceptance, was the hardest lesson for me—a former self-loathing individual convinced of never being “good enough.” True progress begins with self-love and betting on oneself, embodying the change you wish to see in the world.
Over the years, I’ve shared these principles with athletes, illustrating their relevance in swimming and subtly in life. Is this system foolproof? No. Comprehensive? Perhaps. But one truth stands firm: never underestimate the power of belief in oneself and the guiding values behind one’s actions. Such belief transforms you into a beacon of positivity for those around you and the world at large.
So, I pose the question to you: What is your system?