Swab Summer Mindset – A make or break!

You may be searching for ways to prepare for Swab Summer, like studying the mission, doing pushups and going for runs. However, there is one aspect that is very difficult to control – your mindset. The most difficult moment of my Swab Summer was the night before Day 1. I did all the things I was supposed to do to get ready for the next 7 weeks, but I physically could not control the stress and anxiety going through my body. Within the next 12 hours, I learned how to handle these emotions… very quickly. You will do hard things, but you will get used to doing them.

Staying positive is a key part in being successful during Swab Summer. Buying into the stress and trials you will be put through is all part of developing your leadership style and eventually becoming an honorable Coast Guard Officer. Negative thoughts become much more powerful when verbalized, so lean on your shipmates and offer words of encouragement to one another.

There were a couple things that I kept in mind to get me through the summer and keep the positive mindset and thoughts flowing:

1. Although it will be extremely difficult, there is someone else who desperately wanted your spot. Prove to yourself that you are meant to be here, and you were chosen for a reason. Pressure is a privilege!
2. Reset, Refocus and Restart. Each day is a new day. Do not take everything personally and focus on moving on. Meal to meal!
3. Think about all the people that you love back home. Think of your hometown cheering you on from a distance and how proud they are of you.
4. Do a dance in the bathroom and sing your favorite songs in your head to get a quick smile for yourself!

These little reminders helped me, so before the summer, come up with YOUR reminders that you can default to think about when you want to quit and not give 100%.

Having these mental reminders can make a huge impact on your mindset, but also being prepared in other aspects can help this major transition. Getting in shape will make Swab Summer much easier and therefore less mentally straining. Get your upper body strength going and run, run, run! Get ready to leave your family and friends. Don’t spend too much time focusing on what you need to prepare but instead spend quality time with your loved ones. Have fun and cherish the little moments with the people who surround and have supported you. Lastly, thank those who have helped you get to this point in your life. Your gratitude will help you move forward on your journey and new phase in life. Appreciate working hard on the sports field, in the classroom, and spiritually!

You only get one Swab Summer, so make the most out of it. Your shipmates from the summer will be your best friends, and you will cherish the hardships of bootcamp together during the school year (and laugh about some of the things that you did not want to laugh at in the moment!)