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I'm never motivated to do my sport, and I feel dread for trainings. Should I quit?
I've been swimming since I was 6 or 7, and I'm only a little bit better than others my age. I never feel motivated to train, and I constantly miss practice. I only swim the events I know I can do in meets, and I improve very slowly. I don't get much sleep, and I get slightly above average grades.
Does anyone have advice on motivation and/or when I should quit?
10 answers
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
125
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Steward "Tony"’s Answer
I went through the same thing in my teenage years & even later on in life as far as sports and competition goes. Apart from my running history, I found two other venues which helped me develop the lost discipline which started dwildling from doing the same practice over and over again.
Was it teenage burnout? I think so for as a young athlete, I wanted more quicker. Between each run just to kick start my body, mid & enthusiam was major chore, until I hit that 3rd mile, then I was in my element.
Off training I started playing handball on NYC concrete courts & the stress relief was pretty enlightening. My running actually gave me an advantage & the side to side movement of handball really helped my legs become stable. That helped my stride during a run & it felt great!
Once I developed that skill level to play with the better players on courts around the city, people I met introduced me to martial arts. Back then I started with karate. It was all about balance, discipline and focus, plus I got to hit stuff too ;0), Yes I was very good at this new lifestyle.
This too lead me to isometrics which I incorporated into my training regimen, all the while, still doing daily runs and weekend long runs.
20 years later, I have run two NYC marathons, competed in A/B level Handball, Racquetball & Paddleball games in multiple cities against awesome players, studied a number of Martial Arts styles, forms & applied systems.
I am not attempting to impress you as I am 67 years young and have had a very interesting life. I am only attempting to impress upon you that swimming is now in your DNA, what I call a champion DNA. wether you use it to compete or not, it will be your champion for life, since you stated at such a young age. Feel free to complement it with other athletic endeavors that will give you what alternating athletics I chose gave me, adding to my running lifestyle, improving my personal as well as business life.
I believe that the young human athlete, being an intrical part of our future Earthly realm will need leaders to enjoy a refreshed ideology of health & fitness. You're already on that path young champion. Motivation is not your problem, for you can motivate an idiot and all you would get is a motivated idiot. That certainly is not you!
God Bless You Lexie
Tony P.
Was it teenage burnout? I think so for as a young athlete, I wanted more quicker. Between each run just to kick start my body, mid & enthusiam was major chore, until I hit that 3rd mile, then I was in my element.
Off training I started playing handball on NYC concrete courts & the stress relief was pretty enlightening. My running actually gave me an advantage & the side to side movement of handball really helped my legs become stable. That helped my stride during a run & it felt great!
Once I developed that skill level to play with the better players on courts around the city, people I met introduced me to martial arts. Back then I started with karate. It was all about balance, discipline and focus, plus I got to hit stuff too ;0), Yes I was very good at this new lifestyle.
This too lead me to isometrics which I incorporated into my training regimen, all the while, still doing daily runs and weekend long runs.
20 years later, I have run two NYC marathons, competed in A/B level Handball, Racquetball & Paddleball games in multiple cities against awesome players, studied a number of Martial Arts styles, forms & applied systems.
I am not attempting to impress you as I am 67 years young and have had a very interesting life. I am only attempting to impress upon you that swimming is now in your DNA, what I call a champion DNA. wether you use it to compete or not, it will be your champion for life, since you stated at such a young age. Feel free to complement it with other athletic endeavors that will give you what alternating athletics I chose gave me, adding to my running lifestyle, improving my personal as well as business life.
I believe that the young human athlete, being an intrical part of our future Earthly realm will need leaders to enjoy a refreshed ideology of health & fitness. You're already on that path young champion. Motivation is not your problem, for you can motivate an idiot and all you would get is a motivated idiot. That certainly is not you!
God Bless You Lexie
Tony P.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello Lexie,
There's not much I can add to these excellent answers.
Just this: it's okay to quit something that isn't working for you.
Think about what you are interested in and you can have fun exploring that.
You may try and give up few things before you find what really makes you happy and motivated. That's okay, too.
Best wishes and good luck!
Laura
There's not much I can add to these excellent answers.
Just this: it's okay to quit something that isn't working for you.
Think about what you are interested in and you can have fun exploring that.
You may try and give up few things before you find what really makes you happy and motivated. That's okay, too.
Best wishes and good luck!
Laura
Updated
Rose’s Answer
Hello Lexie,
Once upon a time, I was just like you, a swimmer. But, there came a point when the thrill of the sport began to fade for me. The early morning sessions, the solitude during training, and the individualistic nature of the competition started to lose their charm. That's when I discovered volleyball, and it was like finding my true calling. It was a tough transition, but looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.
You've had a fantastic journey as a swimmer, and it's important to remember that it's perfectly okay to not find joy in it anymore. Before you make any decisions, take some time to reflect on why swimming doesn't excite you like it used to. This introspection can help you feel more secure and confident in whatever decision you make.
Wishing you all the best on this journey!
Warmly,
Rose
Once upon a time, I was just like you, a swimmer. But, there came a point when the thrill of the sport began to fade for me. The early morning sessions, the solitude during training, and the individualistic nature of the competition started to lose their charm. That's when I discovered volleyball, and it was like finding my true calling. It was a tough transition, but looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.
You've had a fantastic journey as a swimmer, and it's important to remember that it's perfectly okay to not find joy in it anymore. Before you make any decisions, take some time to reflect on why swimming doesn't excite you like it used to. This introspection can help you feel more secure and confident in whatever decision you make.
Wishing you all the best on this journey!
Warmly,
Rose
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
Hi Lexy
It seems like you're feeling burned out, which can happen when you've been doing something for so long without feeling excited or motivated. Before deciding to quit, try reflecting on why you started swimming and if there's still any part of it you enjoy. It’s also important to listen to your body and mind—if you're not getting enough sleep and your grades are slightly above average, it might indicate an imbalance.
You could talk to your coach or a trusted person about how you’re feeling. Sometimes adjusting your training or setting smaller goals can help bring back motivation. If you're still not enjoying it and it’s affecting other areas of your life, it may be time to take a break or explore other interests. Quitting doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it could just be a step toward finding something that suits you better right now.
hope it helps!
It seems like you're feeling burned out, which can happen when you've been doing something for so long without feeling excited or motivated. Before deciding to quit, try reflecting on why you started swimming and if there's still any part of it you enjoy. It’s also important to listen to your body and mind—if you're not getting enough sleep and your grades are slightly above average, it might indicate an imbalance.
You could talk to your coach or a trusted person about how you’re feeling. Sometimes adjusting your training or setting smaller goals can help bring back motivation. If you're still not enjoying it and it’s affecting other areas of your life, it may be time to take a break or explore other interests. Quitting doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it could just be a step toward finding something that suits you better right now.
hope it helps!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Lexie!
Understanding Your Motivation and Decision to Continue Swimming
1. Assessing Your Feelings Toward Swimming
It’s important to start by reflecting on your feelings about swimming. You mentioned feeling dread for training and a lack of motivation, which are significant indicators that your current situation may not be fulfilling or enjoyable for you. Consider the reasons behind these feelings:
Burnout: After years of participation in a sport, especially from a young age, it’s common to experience burnout. This can manifest as a lack of enthusiasm and increased anxiety about training and competition.
Pressure: If you feel pressured to perform or improve at a certain rate, this can lead to dread rather than enjoyment. It’s crucial to evaluate whether external expectations (from coaches, parents, or peers) are affecting your motivation.
2. Evaluating Your Commitment and Goals
Next, think about what swimming means to you personally:
Personal Goals: Are you swimming for enjoyment, fitness, competition, or social interaction? Clarifying your goals can help determine if continuing is worthwhile.
Skill Improvement: You noted that you only swim events you’re comfortable with and improve slowly. This could indicate that either the training is not aligned with your personal goals or that the environment may not be conducive to growth.
3. Considering Alternatives
If you’re feeling consistently unmotivated, it might be beneficial to explore alternatives before making a decision:
Change in Training Environment: Sometimes a change in coaching style or team dynamics can reignite passion for the sport.
Different Activities: Engaging in other sports or activities could provide a fresh perspective and help you rediscover joy in physical activity.
4. The Importance of Sleep and Academic Balance
You mentioned getting slightly above average grades and not much sleep. Both factors can significantly impact motivation levels:
Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep affects cognitive function and emotional regulation, which can contribute to feelings of dread towards training.
Academic Pressure: Balancing schoolwork with sports can be challenging; if academics are taking precedence over swimming enjoyment, it might be worth reassessing how much time you dedicate to each.
5. Making the Decision: To Quit or Not?
Ultimately, deciding whether to quit should involve careful consideration of all these factors:
Trial Period: Before making any final decisions, consider taking a break from competitive swimming while still engaging in casual practice or fitness swimming. This could help clarify your feelings without the pressure of competition.
Consultation with Coaches/Parents: Discussing your feelings with trusted adults—coaches or parents—can provide additional perspectives and support as you navigate this decision.
In conclusion, if swimming no longer brings you joy or fulfillment despite efforts to rekindle that passion through changes in approach or environment, it may be reasonable to consider quitting—or at least stepping back—to focus on what truly motivates you.
Bold Answer: You should assess your feelings towards swimming carefully; consider taking a break instead of quitting outright while exploring other activities that might reignite your passion for sports.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Psychological Association (APA) - Provides insights into mental health aspects related to sports participation and motivation.
National Institute of Health (NIH) - Offers research on the effects of sleep on performance and well-being among adolescents involved in sports.
Sports Psychology Journal - Discusses athlete burnout and strategies for maintaining motivation in competitive environments.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Understanding Your Motivation and Decision to Continue Swimming
1. Assessing Your Feelings Toward Swimming
It’s important to start by reflecting on your feelings about swimming. You mentioned feeling dread for training and a lack of motivation, which are significant indicators that your current situation may not be fulfilling or enjoyable for you. Consider the reasons behind these feelings:
Burnout: After years of participation in a sport, especially from a young age, it’s common to experience burnout. This can manifest as a lack of enthusiasm and increased anxiety about training and competition.
Pressure: If you feel pressured to perform or improve at a certain rate, this can lead to dread rather than enjoyment. It’s crucial to evaluate whether external expectations (from coaches, parents, or peers) are affecting your motivation.
2. Evaluating Your Commitment and Goals
Next, think about what swimming means to you personally:
Personal Goals: Are you swimming for enjoyment, fitness, competition, or social interaction? Clarifying your goals can help determine if continuing is worthwhile.
Skill Improvement: You noted that you only swim events you’re comfortable with and improve slowly. This could indicate that either the training is not aligned with your personal goals or that the environment may not be conducive to growth.
3. Considering Alternatives
If you’re feeling consistently unmotivated, it might be beneficial to explore alternatives before making a decision:
Change in Training Environment: Sometimes a change in coaching style or team dynamics can reignite passion for the sport.
Different Activities: Engaging in other sports or activities could provide a fresh perspective and help you rediscover joy in physical activity.
4. The Importance of Sleep and Academic Balance
You mentioned getting slightly above average grades and not much sleep. Both factors can significantly impact motivation levels:
Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep affects cognitive function and emotional regulation, which can contribute to feelings of dread towards training.
Academic Pressure: Balancing schoolwork with sports can be challenging; if academics are taking precedence over swimming enjoyment, it might be worth reassessing how much time you dedicate to each.
5. Making the Decision: To Quit or Not?
Ultimately, deciding whether to quit should involve careful consideration of all these factors:
Trial Period: Before making any final decisions, consider taking a break from competitive swimming while still engaging in casual practice or fitness swimming. This could help clarify your feelings without the pressure of competition.
Consultation with Coaches/Parents: Discussing your feelings with trusted adults—coaches or parents—can provide additional perspectives and support as you navigate this decision.
In conclusion, if swimming no longer brings you joy or fulfillment despite efforts to rekindle that passion through changes in approach or environment, it may be reasonable to consider quitting—or at least stepping back—to focus on what truly motivates you.
Bold Answer: You should assess your feelings towards swimming carefully; consider taking a break instead of quitting outright while exploring other activities that might reignite your passion for sports.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Psychological Association (APA) - Provides insights into mental health aspects related to sports participation and motivation.
National Institute of Health (NIH) - Offers research on the effects of sleep on performance and well-being among adolescents involved in sports.
Sports Psychology Journal - Discusses athlete burnout and strategies for maintaining motivation in competitive environments.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hello Lexie,
I understand your frustrations. Many times, we may be pushed into doing things by our parents, and as we grow older, we realize that what we are doing is not for us. My advice is simple...look into your heart and have a really tough conversation with yourself and ask, 'Why am I swimming?'. If your answer(s) are not 100% about you and your desires, quit! A lot of people stick with things they completely hate or just don't enjoy because they are afraid of what others may say or feel if they give that thing up. At the end of the day, YOU are in charge of your feelings and what you do in your life. You may be giving too much time to swimming and going nowhere instead of giving time to something you. really love.
Again, the most simple advice I can give you is to do what makes YOU happy! Life is too short to focus your energy on things that you are not motivated to do or even want to do. Find something you love and give this time to that thing. If you truly love something, you don't have to motivate yourself to improve or even do that thing.
I understand your frustrations. Many times, we may be pushed into doing things by our parents, and as we grow older, we realize that what we are doing is not for us. My advice is simple...look into your heart and have a really tough conversation with yourself and ask, 'Why am I swimming?'. If your answer(s) are not 100% about you and your desires, quit! A lot of people stick with things they completely hate or just don't enjoy because they are afraid of what others may say or feel if they give that thing up. At the end of the day, YOU are in charge of your feelings and what you do in your life. You may be giving too much time to swimming and going nowhere instead of giving time to something you. really love.
Again, the most simple advice I can give you is to do what makes YOU happy! Life is too short to focus your energy on things that you are not motivated to do or even want to do. Find something you love and give this time to that thing. If you truly love something, you don't have to motivate yourself to improve or even do that thing.
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Lexie,
Firstly, it's important to really dig deep and ask yourself - is this something that lights a fire in your heart? Remember, there's a difference between being naturally talented at something and truly wanting to do it. When it comes to staying motivated, it's not always a walk in the park. There will be days when you don't feel like doing anything. But remember, it's discipline and consistency that will keep you going during those times. These two are the secret ingredients to success. I hope this little piece of advice helps you on your journey!
Take care,
Lauren
Firstly, it's important to really dig deep and ask yourself - is this something that lights a fire in your heart? Remember, there's a difference between being naturally talented at something and truly wanting to do it. When it comes to staying motivated, it's not always a walk in the park. There will be days when you don't feel like doing anything. But remember, it's discipline and consistency that will keep you going during those times. These two are the secret ingredients to success. I hope this little piece of advice helps you on your journey!
Take care,
Lauren
Updated
Yusoff’s Answer
Lexie, I understand your predicament and I appreciate your courage in seeking advice on these crucial matters of motivation and knowing when to call it quits.
Firstly, it's completely normal to feel a lack of desire to continue with your current activity. Recognizing this sentiment is essentially admitting that there's an issue and you're not content with it. This is the reason you're seeking answers and solutions.
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue. Ultimately, the choice is in your hands, and I'm here to offer my insights for you to ponder before making your final decision.
I agree with what Lauren has suggested. The key question that you need to reflect on, as Lauren pointed out, is what truly "sparks joy in your heart"? If you're finding swimming challenging and not deriving any pleasure from it, it's clear that swimming isn't igniting that joy. However, before you decide to give it up, think about what initially drew you to swimming? There must have been a time when you enjoyed it, and something might have changed since then, or perhaps you're being compelled to swim. Understanding what initially motivated you to swim could help reignite that positive feeling and motivate you to rediscover your love for swimming. But if you're being forced into it, it's time to have a conversation with the person who's pressuring you, express your struggles, and ask for assistance.
I wish you the very best on your journey!
Firstly, it's completely normal to feel a lack of desire to continue with your current activity. Recognizing this sentiment is essentially admitting that there's an issue and you're not content with it. This is the reason you're seeking answers and solutions.
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue. Ultimately, the choice is in your hands, and I'm here to offer my insights for you to ponder before making your final decision.
I agree with what Lauren has suggested. The key question that you need to reflect on, as Lauren pointed out, is what truly "sparks joy in your heart"? If you're finding swimming challenging and not deriving any pleasure from it, it's clear that swimming isn't igniting that joy. However, before you decide to give it up, think about what initially drew you to swimming? There must have been a time when you enjoyed it, and something might have changed since then, or perhaps you're being compelled to swim. Understanding what initially motivated you to swim could help reignite that positive feeling and motivate you to rediscover your love for swimming. But if you're being forced into it, it's time to have a conversation with the person who's pressuring you, express your struggles, and ask for assistance.
I wish you the very best on your journey!
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Lexie,
It sounds like you’re in a pretty tough spot right now, and I want you to know that it’s totally normal to feel this way. Swimming can be demanding, and if it feels like a burden instead of an enjoyment, you might want to take a step back and really think about what you want. Quitting isn't the only option, but it might be worth exploring what’s underlying your lack of motivation.
Have you considered the possibility of re-evaluating your relationship with swimming? Perhaps it’s the environment or the intensity that’s become a source of dread. You could try talking with your coach about adjusting your training plan. For example, if you're finding daily practices draining, maybe you could reduce your training frequency or seek opportunities for more enjoyable sessions, like swimming with friends instead of in a rigorous competitive setting. A lot of athletes find that being around others who are enjoying the sport can be incredibly uplifting.
Also, look into your other commitments—school, social life, and rest. Being just "slightly above average" in school might be a sign you are stretching yourself too thin. Finding a balance is crucial for motivation. If you really think swimming is no longer bringing you joy, that's okay, too; you can take a break and explore other sports or activities. Establishing a space where you allow yourself to just swim for fun might help rekindle that lost passion without the pressure of competition.
Above all, listen to your gut and remember that it’s your journey. If you do decide to take a break or move on to something else, that's perfectly valid.
Wishing you clarity in your decision,
Aman
It sounds like you’re in a pretty tough spot right now, and I want you to know that it’s totally normal to feel this way. Swimming can be demanding, and if it feels like a burden instead of an enjoyment, you might want to take a step back and really think about what you want. Quitting isn't the only option, but it might be worth exploring what’s underlying your lack of motivation.
Have you considered the possibility of re-evaluating your relationship with swimming? Perhaps it’s the environment or the intensity that’s become a source of dread. You could try talking with your coach about adjusting your training plan. For example, if you're finding daily practices draining, maybe you could reduce your training frequency or seek opportunities for more enjoyable sessions, like swimming with friends instead of in a rigorous competitive setting. A lot of athletes find that being around others who are enjoying the sport can be incredibly uplifting.
Also, look into your other commitments—school, social life, and rest. Being just "slightly above average" in school might be a sign you are stretching yourself too thin. Finding a balance is crucial for motivation. If you really think swimming is no longer bringing you joy, that's okay, too; you can take a break and explore other sports or activities. Establishing a space where you allow yourself to just swim for fun might help rekindle that lost passion without the pressure of competition.
Above all, listen to your gut and remember that it’s your journey. If you do decide to take a break or move on to something else, that's perfectly valid.
Wishing you clarity in your decision,
Aman
Updated
Anthany’s Answer
I think this personally comes down to you. If you don't feel passionate about the sport and its feeling like more of a burden that's draining you constantly then I don't think there's anything wrong with quitting. However if this IS something you feel passionate about, perhaps even to the point of becoming a professional one day, then the way I see it you have 2 options: 1. Try to adjust your schedule some more and get into healthier habits that will support your swimming needs, or 2. Quit for now but find another outlet to keep swimming; perhaps find a public pool you may be able to practice swimming at or find another swimming team that you could keep up with better!
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