來自：http://swimsmooth.com/mindset_beg.html
Learning to swim freestyle can be a hugely liberating experience but for many the first step in this process is actually deciding and telling yourself you can do this. Many people are filled with fear or self-doubt, especially when deciding to learn to swim a little later in life. That's normal, it's OK!
學習自由泳會是一個巨大的如釋重負的體驗，但是對於大多數人來說，整個過程的第一步實際上是你下定決心去學，並且相信你自己能做到！大多數人都充滿了恐懼或疑慮，特別是當他們在稍後的生活中決定要去學自由泳的時候。真很正常，沒事的！
Just like with any skill, the freestyle stroke should be broken down into small, manageable exercises with a clear vision leading to the next step. It's often the feeling of being overwhelmed by too many things to think about that prevents people from attempting this great life-skill. It seems a monumental hurdle to try and overcome just to perform your first few strokes.
就像其他技巧一樣，自由泳的動作可以被分解成若干個微小的，好掌握的練習，這些會幫你走到下一步。經常有一種被很多事情壓倒的感覺，它阻礙了人們去嘗試自由泳這個偉大的生存技巧。它就像是一個永遠無法跨越的障礙哪怕是僅僅做幾個自由泳的動作。
Swim Smooth passionately believe that anyone can learn to swim freestyle and develop a smooth and efficient technique at the same time. Follow the simple steps below to keep yourself thinking positively about your swimming:
我們確信任何人都能學會自由泳並且同時擁有優美而且高效的技巧。下面是一些簡單的步驟去讓你在學習自由泳的過程中保持一個良好的心態。
決心要學習游泳後，請記下爲什麼要學游泳，和學會游泳對你和健康會有什麼好處。
2. Talk to friends who can swim. Ask them what it is that they love about swimming. Listen to their stories about how they learnt. Not everyone takes like a duck to water and you'll probably hear that many of your friends were also a little daunted when they started learning. This is perfectly normal. Listen to where they are now though and realize that to getthere, they too had to build things up stepby step.
和會游泳的朋友聊天。問問他們熱愛游泳什麼方面。聽聽他們過去學習中的故事。對於游泳的學習，不是每個人都如魚得水，信手捏來，你可能會聽到朋友中的大多數人在開始學習游泳時都會有一些氣餒。這非常正常。他們也肯定不如設想中那樣進步地飛快，他們也要一步一步地逐漸學習。
3. Visit a swimming pool. Swimming pools come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, depths and locations and it is well worthwhile investigating local facilities that you feel comfortable using. Ask friends for their recommendations about suitable venues and quiet times to go.
去一趟游泳池。泳池種類繁多，不同的形狀，大小，深度和位置，調查到一個你感覺非常舒服的游泳池是一件非常值得做的事情。對於合適的場地和游泳的時間，可以聽聽朋友的意見。
4. Soak up the smells and sounds. Swimming pools can be very noisy places (especially if indoors) and often the first thing that will hit you is the pungent smell of chlorine as you walk through the door. If you're really nervous, on your first trip to the pool don't even bring your swimming gear, just go and spend 15 to 20 minutes in the lobby area or overlooking the pool and familiarize yourself with these sounds and smells for next time.
游泳池氯的味道和嘈雜的聲音。游泳池是一個非常嘈雜的地方（特別是室內），經常是當你一進門就會聞到刺鼻的氯氣味。如果你真的感到不舒服，那麼你第一次去泳池甚至都不用帶游泳裝備，只要花15-20分鐘在大廳裏或者環視泳池讓你自己熟悉適應這裏的環境。
5. Bring a buddy and get your feet wet. Ask a good friend to take you to the pool and take your first dip with their assistance. Don't feel like you have to make any monumental steps forward in this first session, just build up your confidence and practise telling yourself that you feel OK and that you are enjoying the experience. Stay positive!
同好朋友，去沾沾水。請個好朋友帶你去泳池並且在他們的幫助下讓你第一次下水。不要認爲在第一課就非要去做一些練習，僅僅只要建立自信和試着自己告訴自己感覺很好並且非常享受這樣的經歷就可以了。保持樂觀！
Ask your buddy to read our "Buddy's Guide to Teaching the Freestyle Stroke"before you go.
請讓你朋友在去之前，讀讀“結伴學習自由泳指南”
6. Never,ever, ever give up! Think back to Step 1 when you committed yourself to learning how to swim. Quite often just deciding to do this is the biggest hurdle you will face but there will be others. The key to learning to swim smoothly and efficiently is remaining positive. By following our Learn to Swim Freestyle Program you can be sure that the steps in the process will progressively develop your skills each session. They will give you a clear vision of where you are heading and how to get there.
不要放棄！當你對自己承諾去學習如何游泳的時候，回想一下步驟1。決定去做一件事往往是你面對的最大障礙，但還是有些其他的因素。學好自由泳的關鍵是保持樂觀。跟着我們去學習，你一定會通過這些步驟逐步地提高技巧。他們會給你清晰明確的階段性目標。
Even good swimmers can have lows with their swimming - try and take them in your stride.
即使是好的泳手也有低谷，在你學習的過程中，試着去解決他們將是你學習游泳最大的收穫。
like a duck to water：如魚得水
liberating experience：如釋重負的經驗