The Importance of Goal-Setting in Freediving

Hello, underwater lovers!

What you’re about to read is a doorway—a glimpse into the ocean of thoughts, lessons, and wild experiences that make up The Depth Collector series.

The Depth Collector Series – Now Available in Print! 

This isn’t a polished pitch or a neatly packaged summary. It’s straight from the pages of The Depth Collector Book Two, raw and real—just like freediving. Here’s a glimpse into pages 273 to 280.

So, grab your noseclip, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into The Importance of Goal-Setting in Freediving.

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the depth Collector Book Two

Page 273 to 280

The Importance of Goal-Setting in Freediving

I spent a long time reflecting on the concept of goals for my training. A goal can direct and focus our efforts, providing us with a clear target to strive for. Of course, it's crucial to choose a goal that challenges us but is still achievable within a reasonable timeframe—say, within a year. By setting a specific target, we transform our dreams into tangible objectives, allowing us to create a logical and structured training plan. Without a goal, dreams would remain just that—dreams—and it would be hard to develop a strategic progression. 

But something is bothering me. Are these specific goals really that important? After all, we know where we want to go—we want to go down and we want to go deep. The number doesn't really matter. If you think about it, a specific goal or target is merely a step in your journey, nothing more. It's another expectation we set for ourselves. Once you reach one goal, another will inevitably appear deeper along the dive line. So, what if we ignored the numbers and focused solely on becoming the best we can be? Would we reach those depths anyway? I firmly believe we would. In fact, we might build such a solid foundation that we exceed all our underwater expectations.

My growth as a freediver is far more important than the depth itself. This mindset is what separates someone who simply dives from a true freediver. Setting a goal defines the direction, but it's the process—the training, the dedication, and the discipline—that truly takes us there and beyond.

Progress: Navigating the Ups and Downs

Figure 1: The reality of progress: navigating the ups and downs in freediving

In freediving, progress is rarely a straight line. While we often expect steady improvement (the green line in Figure 1) towards our target depth, the reality (the blue line in Figure 1) tends to be more unpredictable and challenging. Progress is shaped by physical adaptation, mental hurdles, rest, nutrition, and even setbacks—such as injuries or difficult training days—that can slow us down.

It's natural to feel frustrated when things don't go according to plan. You might hit plateaus, struggle with equalization, or perhaps your body demands more recovery time than expected. Setbacks happen, and it's easy to become discouraged. But here's the key: Let go of those rigid expectations. Frustration builds when we cling to a linear idea of progress, and that mindset can hold you back more than the setbacks themselves. Importantly, don't compare your progress to others—progress in freediving is highly personal, and everyone moves at their own pace.

Consistency is what matters most. Keep showing up, keep training, and keep adjusting. Over time, your body and mind will adapt, and at some point—often when you least expect it—everything will 'click.' You'll surpass the expectations you had, not because the journey was smooth, but because you embraced the process. Your breakthroughs will come, and they will exceed what you thought was possible, simply because you stayed committed.

Don't just freedive; become a freediver, and embrace this way of life fully. The ups and downs are part of the learning process. Be patient, trust the journey, and you'll find that consistent effort will lead to greater success than you could have ever predicted.

Frustration Zone

This is the light orange space on the graph between 'expected progress' and 'actual progress'—a reality check where unmet expectations can lead to frustration, doubt, or disappointment. In this zone, divers often struggle when progress doesn't come as quickly or smoothly as anticipated. This is where mental and emotional battles begin, as we question our training, doubt our abilities, or feel stuck in plateaus. The key challenge here is not allowing frustration to derail your journey.

Clicking Point

The 'clicking point' is the culmination of the 'frustration zone'—a pivotal moment when the diver begins to mentally 'click' and break free from the cycle of frustration. 

Mindset Shift Zone

Following the 'clicking point,' divers enter the 'mindset shift zone.' This zone, marked dark orange on the graph, represents the realization that progress isn't a straight line. As divers experience setbacks and face challenges, there comes a point where they start to accept that expectations need to be adjusted. In this zone, there's a growing understanding that success comes not from reaching constant milestones, but from embracing the journey as it is—complete with its highs and lows. This shift leads to mental clarity and deeper growth, both physically and mentally, and is a necessary step toward long-term success in freediving.

Setback 

Setbacks are part of the journey—whether it's an injury, a tough training day, or a mental block. These moments can feel like you're moving backward, but they're opportunities for learning and adaptation. Every setback can reveal something valuable, whether about technique, your physical limits, or your mindset. Embracing setbacks as part of the learning process allows you to approach future training with better insight and patience.

Breakthrough 

A breakthrough is that rewarding moment when everything falls into place. It happens when you finally surpass your previous limits and achieve what once seemed impossible. Breakthroughs come from consistent effort, perseverance, and the mindset shift that allows you to trust the process. Often, they exceed expectations because you stopped chasing progress and instead allowed it to unfold naturally.

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To be continued…

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If what you’ve just read sparked your curiosity, know this—it’s just a ripple on the surface. The Depth Collector series plunges deep into this pillar, uncovering layers of insights, lessons, and practical tools to refine your freediving journey.

And it doesn’t stop here. The series explores all eight foundational pillars, packed with everything from mental hacks to sport nutrition, breathing techniques, training plans, and more.

Read more about the other pillars on the blog or grab your copy here.