Never Realized I Needed These To Learn Something New

Some Practical Requirements You Might Need Too!

So, recently, I started swimming. I always wanted to learn, but never had the time nor a proper water body to jump in.

A couple of weeks ago, I finally enroll in a swimming club. The price was reasonable, time flexible, everything was on point. So me and a friend of mine went in.

He knew how to swim, and he instructed me to hold my arms and keep an eye on me, etc.

The first day was amazing! I learned to float and even did a little bit of Free Style.

How?

No, I am not a natural when it comes to physical movements. I could because I listened to my body. I knew well before going into the water what I am capable of and why I am learning to swim, which is to cut through the water in an efficient manner and how to stay afloat.

But then from the second day, this trainer started to show up, uninvited, I might add, and started to give me instructions, not caring

What do I want?

What are my goals?

Why did I come to learn to swim?

He came to put me into the mold. They have this structured routine and I have to follow it regardless of whether I like it or want to or not.

So now I am just tolerating it. Fun? Oh, it’s long dead!

There is a saying like

Learning it is supposed to be fun.

But I guess it only looks good in social media quotes.

In real life, it’s bitter. Now I know many people, especially kids, need it. A step-by-step guide. They also don’t want me to drown in their pool as that would affect their reputation.

But for these very reasons, I brought a friend who knows how to swim, who was guiding me, but that was not enough, I guess!

I still remember the last night before my first day in the pool and how excited I was.

So here are some things that I learned from the experience

First

Do what comes from within. Many a time we pick a skill or hobby because everyone else is doing it, or it’s trending.

My advice

Don’t do it!

Because trends are fleeting. The moment it’s gone you will have no reason to continue it and you will quit. But if it’s something you want from your heart, desperately want to learn for yourself, you will be able to sustain it after that initial spark is gone.

Same way as me, I hate it, but I still go because I haven’t forgotten my goal, which is to be prepared to survive in any water body.

Second

Listen to your body. Remember no one knows you better than you. When your body tells you something, listen patiently, lean into it and adapt. That is how we can prevent most of the injuries.

Sometimes you get a feeling like

“Man, this is going to hurt” or “I might not be able to pull it off”.

Now remember it’s different from “I can’t do it” or “It’s impossible”.

The former ones mean you realize it while doing it, but the latter one is that you are quitting even before trying.

This is the very reason I was able to do a little bit of Free Style on my first day. Because I knew the Flutter Kick and the Hand Movements would be easier for me. So I leaned into it and it worked.

Third and probably most important

Find someone who understands you and then can guide you. Not force you to walk the path.

Who works as your guide!

Because sometimes in our lives we face situations or skills for which we need a professional, we can’t learn them alone and maybe no one in our social circle knows it.

So find a professional who is not trying to force you to follow their rigid steps, but hears your concerns, fears and motivations and then prepare a path that is made just for you. Or at least willing to stay by your side as you pave it yourself.

I have never had much luck in this department up until now, but I have seen people who have mentors/trainers/guides like this in their lives and the things they achieve with them.

Thank you for staying until the end!