In Process We Trust

Champion’s Mindset: A Motivational Guide for Teen Athletes and Their Parents

From social media hashtags to your coach’s voice echoing across the pool deck, “Trust the Process” seems to be everywhere. But it’s far more than a buzzword for teen athletes and their parents—it’s a proven mindset that fuels dedication and long-term success. For teen athletes and their parents, trusting the process means embracing hard work, commitment, and respect to become the best student-athlete you can be.

More Than a Cliché

Many legendary coaches reference “Trust the Process” as a cornerstone of success. Nick Saban famously said that the process is much more important than the result. That simple reminder can help swimmers focus on one practice at a time, one lap at a time, and one day at a time. Instead of obsessing over the outcome—like winning times or medal counts—the priority is on the quality of each effort and consistent improvement.

A Culture of Respect

Coach Bob Bowman offers a valuable perspective:

"Everyone in the program has to show respect. You have to have respect for the process of what we’re doing. Respect for your teammates, respect for your competitors, your coaches, your parents, yourself. What you do with and to your body… And if you approach it with an attitude of respect, you’re gonna be the kind of person that we want you to be, the kind of athlete and student that you want to be."

Bowman’s words drive home that trusting the process isn’t just about swimming drills or strength training. It’s also about building character and integrity. Showing respect for the work you do, the people around you, and even your competition fosters a team culture where success can grow. The respect you bring to every practice, every set, and every race often translates into stronger relationships, deeper dedication, and bigger long-term achievements.

For Parents: Supporting the Journey

As a parent, it’s natural to be eager for results. However, trusting the process means encouraging your teen to focus on self-improvement and skill-building—rather than fixating on winning or losing. Help them set small, achievable goals and celebrate the progress they make along the way:

- Encourage Consistency: Whether it’s attending every practice, working on a new technique, or maintaining a balanced diet, consistency is key.

- Keep It Positive: Show up, cheer them on, and be a steady source of support. When their efforts don’t go as planned, remind them that setbacks are temporary lessons.

- Ask Helpful Questions: Instead of only asking about times or points, ask them what they learned in practice or how they felt about their effort. This shifts the focus to process-oriented thinking.

For Teen Athletes: Embrace the Grind

It might be tempting to look at the scoreboard or compare yourself to the fastest swimmer in the pool. However, trusting the process means:

1. Being Patient: Improvement takes time. Celebrate small wins—like refining your technique or beating yesterday’s personal best—even if it doesn’t immediately translate to first place.

2. Maintaining Respect: Build a habit of respecting your body by staying rested, nourished, and hydrated. Respect your coaches by listening attentively. Respect your teammates by supporting them during tough practices and meets.

3. Finding Your “Why”: Know what inspires you. Whether it’s personal growth, a college scholarship, or the love of the sport, remind yourself of your ultimate goals. This “why” will keep you going, even on days when motivation runs low.

The Real Power of "Trust the Process"

When you truly trust the process, your mindset shifts from fearing failure to embracing learning. You start taking on bigger challenges, pushing through rough practices, and supporting others on the journey. This approach not only helps you in the pool but also in your studies, relationships, and future endeavors. And for parents, it cultivates a healthier environment where athletes can develop resilience and confidence.

Trusting the process is about letting each moment—each swim set, each dryland workout, each team huddle—contribute to your growth. The best swimmers and parents understand that staying the course, supporting one another, and believing in the routine pays off in the long run. So the next time you hear “Trust the Process,” remember it’s about more than hashtags and motivational posters. It’s a promise to yourself and your team that you’ll keep putting in the work, day after day, lap after lap, until you reach your full potential.