I, for the first time in awhile, felt like my students feel. We spent the past week learning how to factor polynomials in my Algebra 1 class. Several of my students were very frustrated and I couldn't give them anything more to help make the process easier. It just gets easier with practice. They could watch me factor 20 polynomials and it would not get easier until they dug in, got dirty, struggled, and had a breakthrough. And then I realized that is what it's going to be like with swimming. I can watch Jake swim 20 laps, but it's not going to get easier for me until I dig in, get dirty, get tired, struggle, and have a breakthrough. Dare I even say that I need to practice outside of swim class...on my own?! My students look at me like I'm crazy when I suggest they practice on their own, in their spare time; do something more beyond just completing their homework.
I get it! I do. And I'm not going to let one frustrating lesson deter me. Anything that I've ever learned in life came once I got more comfortable being uncomfortable and this isn't any different. I'm looking forward to my breakthrough. In the meantime, I'm off to see what pools in my area have open swim this weekend.
“To conquer frustration, one must remain intensely focused on the outcome, not the obstacles.”
― T.F. Hodge