By Sarah Hill The most important aspect of the TI philosophy and methodology is its ‘Kaizen’ approach to swimming that is based on the  philosophy  of continuous, incremental improvement. The Kaizen  concept   originated in Japan; the word translates to mean change (kai) for the good (zen) and was developed to improve manufacturing processes. It is one of the elements which led to the success of Japanese manufacturing through its high quality and low costs. Kaizen is based on the philosophical belief that everything can be improved so nothing is ever seen as a status quo – continuous efforts to improve result in small, often imperceptible changes over time which add up to substantial changes over the longer-term. Using problem-solving to make incremental improvements engages us fully in the change process resulting in better focus and greater satisfaction. A Kaizen approach to swimming is no different – it is about focusing on your own continual incremental improvements, or as TI found

How long have you been swimming? How did you get into it, what you like about it, what motivates you? I started swimming in 2012, when I set myself the challenge to swim the Solent, from Ryde on the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth.   I hadn’t done any swimming since school, other than pottering about on holiday, and by now I was in my fifties, so I set a date for July 2013. Knowing that to get where I needed to be, I would need some serious motivation I selected a charity to raise money for, and in July 2013 me and 3 friends swam for Ryde to Southsea for Motor Neurone Disease. Following that crossing, I decided to make the swim an annual event and launched the Ian Pratt MND Challenge, named in honour of my great friend who sadly lost his battle against MND after such a brave and courageous fight in May 2020.   To date, we have had 257 successful Solent crossings and raised in excess of £200,00 for charity. Check the swim out www.swmmingthesolent4mnd.com . I have personally swum t

A selection of books and videos aligned with the TI spirit of Kaizen and continuous improvement  to help you work on your swimming mindset even if you can't get to the pool. C ompiled by TI coach Penny Wilkin                            Mindset, Carol Dweck Dweck explains why it's not just our abilities and talent that bring us success - but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. With the right mindset, we can reach our own goals - personal and professional. Dweck reveals how a simple idea about the brain can create a love of learning that is the basis of great accomplishment in every area.   The Talent Code, Daniel Coyle  In The Talent Code, award-winning journalist Daniel Coyle draws on cutting-edge research to reveal that, far from being some abstract mystical power fixed at birth, ability really can be created and nurtured.   Grit Angela Duckworth Psychologist Angela Duckworth takes us on an eye-opening journey to discover the true qua