From Fear to Freedom: Embracing Imperfection in My Swim Journey

When I walked into my first swim lesson, I wasn’t just carrying a fear of the water—I was carrying the weight of my own expectations. The challenge was real; be comfortable navigating the water in just three hours over two days! As a chronic overthinker, I approached swimming the same way I approach many things: with the belief that I needed to get it right. I wanted my strokes to be perfect, my breathing to flow effortlessly, and my movements to look like I’d been swimming my whole life. I was being hard on myself.

To anyone who feels like they have to get everything perfect before they can succeed, I want you to know this: perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is.

What I didn’t anticipate was how much that mindset would hold me back. It wasn’t until I allowed myself to let go of perfection and embrace the messy, imperfect process of learning that real progress—and confidence—began.

Battling Perfectionism in the Pool

From the moment I dipped my toes into the water, my mind went into overdrive. Was I holding my breath long enough? Was my kick too weak? Why didn’t floating come naturally to me? Each thought made the water feel heavier, and my anxiety grew with every “mistake.” Here’s where the professionalism, patience and expertise of my certified swim instructor, Coach Jazz stepped in. She was able to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment allowing me to confront my fears head-on. Every move was at my pace, encouraged by her constant “when you’re ready, Ms. Diamond.”

By the second lesson, I realized that my fixation on technique wasn’t helping—it was hindering me. I was so wrapped up in doing it right that I forgot the most important part: giving myself grace to simply learn.

Learning to Let Go

The turning point came when I allowed myself to focus less on perfection and more on presence. Instead of obsessing over every stroke, I started to celebrate small wins: holding my breath just a little longer, feeling my body float for a few extra seconds, or simply showing up to the pool despite my fears.

With each lesson, I reminded myself that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up and trying again, no matter how awkward or uncertain it feels. Once I gave myself permission to make mistakes, I found a new sense of freedom in the water.

The Power of Grace

Giving myself grace wasn’t just about silencing the overthinking—it was about shifting my mindset entirely. I began to see swimming not as a test to pass but as an opportunity to grow. Each imperfect moment became a chance to learn, and each misstep reminded me that I was doing something courageous. Watching my daily progress, courtesy of Coach Jazz’s ever present camera phone, provided my own personal receipts. Yes! That really was me, moving across the pool and practicing my stand, midway.

This grace extended beyond the pool, too. I started noticing how much easier it was to forgive myself in other areas of my life. Conquering aquaphobia has become more than a physical journey—it is a practice in self-compassion.

Finding Joy in the Process

By my third lesson, I no longer felt the same pressure to “get it right.” Instead, I started to feel the joy of simply being in the water. I noticed how the water supported me, how my body was growing stronger, and how my confidence was beginning to build.

I still have so much to learn, but the fear that once consumed me has been replaced by a nervous excitement. The pool no longer feels like a place of judgment—it feels like a space for growth, healing, and freedom.

A Message for My Fellow Overthinkers

To anyone who feels like they have to get everything perfect before they can succeed, I want you to know this: perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is. Whether it’s learning to swim or tackling any fear in life, give yourself permission to be imperfect. Celebrate the small victories, and trust that every stumble is part of the process.

For me, three lessons have taught me more about resilience, self-acceptance, and courage than I ever expected. That’s the environment we are committed to creating during the ten days we’ll spend at the back2thewater swim retreat in Cartagena, Colombia. I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me next—not because I have to be perfect, but because I’ve learned to enjoy the ride.

I hope you’ll join me.