I’ve been asked by a lot of people how I’m feeling after the official announcement of the postponement of Tokyo 2020 was made. And let me start by saying, every single person is in a different situation and is going to feel differently about this, but I’m here to share my reaction.

First, I felt there were two ways I could react to this situation: One being that I get discouraged, disappointed, frustrated, and sad. After all, my plans have just been altered, drastically. My second option was to look at it positively. I’m excited that I get to train another year. I can’t wait to continue doing what I love. It’s motivating to me to try to find ways to continue to improve through a difficult situation. Is it sad and scary that this is happening? ABSOLUTELY! But, because my “WHY” is so strong, it made it easy for me to choose the second option of staying positive and taking this one day at a time.

What is my “WHY”?

It’s hard to put it into one word or sentence. And honestly, knowing my “WHY” has always come easy to me…

My “WHY” is the fact that I love the daily process of seeing how much I can improve.

I love the hard workouts. I love the highs and lows and learning how to grow and improve through both. I love learning about myself and the sport. I simply love everything about swimming (cheesy – I know).

It’s an easy choice for me to get up and go to practice every day. My goals are what drive me daily to give my best efforts.

What is your “WHY”?

There is no better time to understand what your “WHY” is than right now. Most of us are ready to get back to work, whether that be in the pool or the gym. But, why?  What do you miss?

Yes, of course, you miss your friends and simply being around people. And having great friends on your team is so important, I’m not trying to push that to the side. But, let’s get deeper than that. What do you truly miss about your sport?

Your “WHY” is what drives you to practice on the days you’d rather hang out with your friends or take a nap. Your “WHY” is what gets you through the most challenging workouts.  Your “WHY” is what picks you back up after having a bad day/week/race/competition.

Your “WHY” is what makes it all worth it.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help guide you in finding your “WHY” –

What gets you excited?

What makes you feel accomplished?

Why did you start?

What do you miss now that it’s gone?

***ASSIGNMENT***

Write down your “WHY” and keep it close by. Somewhere you can see it every day! 

For added accountability, tell me you’re “WHY”!

by RISE Mentor Leah Gingrich

Original article posted on RISE

RISE Athletes are the leaders in youth athlete mentorship, with world-class Professional and Olympic level athletes mentoring the next generation to create strong mindsets and healthy mentalities. Your athlete can find the support they need, at rise-athletes.com.