The Six Myths of Fast Swimming

1."There is an easy way, I just haven't found it yet." There is no easy way. All fast swimming for everyone comes as a result of hard work. There is value in always trying to find a better way (the reason for this blog), but there will never be an easy way. Realizing this is key to tapping your motivation to give maximum effort every day.
2."That swimmer is fast because he/she is just talented." These words are usually spoken by somebody who believes in myth #1. If you find yourself believing or maybe even saying this myth out loud, consider your own talents and find a way to maximize them to better achieve your own goals. This is far more effective than bemoaning your talent deficiency.
3."This is just practice, I will do it correctly/faster at the meet." This myth is perpetuated by those who have poor practice habits. When it comes to anything technical, only perfect practice makes perfect. The pressure and excitement of a competitive situation tend to exacerbate your bad habits rather than magicly improve them. Factor in the fatigue you will feel in a swimming race, and you can see that you are truly only as fast as your habits will let you be. Strive daily to eliminate your bad habits and practice good technique at all times.
4."Swimming is an individual sport." Ironically, this myth is usually believed by someone who has always been in a good team situation. Though it is true that we mostly compete as individuals in a race, the social nature of our sport cannot be totally discounted. If you believe this myth, try training by yourself. Better yet, imagine swimming at a meet where the only people in the building are you and your 7 competitors. Make the most of your teammates by supporting them, and they will support you.
5."That little technical thing won't make a difference." This myth is believed by people with poor attention to detail. This "pennies on the sidewalk" mentality leads them to believe myths #1 and 2, because only big improvements are worth the effort.
6."I messed up my taper." Usually stated after the meet or season concludes by someone who is unhappy with his performance. Though it is possible to not hit a taper correctly, the far more likely culprit is poor preparation all season long. Many swimmers and coaches who believe this myth don't honestly evaluate what came before the taper.

If you find yourself buying into one of these myths, honestly evaluate where this belief comes from and whether it truly holds any water (pun intended).