Flip Your Fear to Power: What Brian Bergford Teaches Us About Courage and Inspiration

Fear rarely announces itself loudly. More often, it shows up as hesitation, delay, or the quiet decision to stay comfortable. Brian Bergford’s story reminds us that fear doesn’t fade on its own. It changes when we decide to meet it differently.

Brian is a Masters swimming champion and peak performance coach, but his relationship with swimming didn’t begin with confidence. For most of his life, putting his face in the water triggered a visceral panic response he couldn’t reason away.

“It was definitely a complete just visceral reaction of panic when I would have my head submerged underwater.”

As a child, swim lessons never progressed beyond floating on his back in the shallow end. The water felt unsafe, unpredictable, and overwhelming. That fear followed him well into adulthood.

Getting Fed Up With Fear

Brian’s turning point came when he recognized something uncomfortable but clarifying. Fear had begun to dictate his choices, and that didn’t align with who he believed himself to be.

“I got sick and tired of being basically controlled by a fear because that’s not the type of person who I am.”

At age 30, instead of continuing to avoid the water, Brian chose to confront it directly. He hired a coach. He learned the strokes. He placed himself in situations that challenged both his comfort and his identity.

When his coach suggested joining a Masters program, fear surged again. This time, Brian acted before fear could negotiate.

“The next day I went, I registered for a master’s team.”

That decision became the first step in a journey that eventually led to national-level Masters swimming success.

Fear Versus Phobia

One of the most grounded aspects of Brian’s perspective is his distinction between fear and phobia. Fears can often be worked through gradually. Phobias run deeper and may require outside support.

“Be very careful messing around with phobias,” he cautions.

Courage, in Brian’s view, includes self-awareness. Knowing when to push forward and when to seek help is part of resilience.

How Brian Learned to Move Forward

Brian doesn’t offer shortcuts or motivational slogans. He shares principles shaped by experience, ideas that guided him both in swimming and in life.

• Stop tolerating excuses that don’t align with who you want to be
• Create a compelling reason to act, not just a vague intention
• Break big challenges into small, doable steps
• Act before fear has time to talk you out of it
• Repeat the process until momentum replaces hesitation

“Every time you let a fear stop you or hold you back from doing something, it starts to develop momentum.”

Brian’s response was practical and consistent. When he showed up at the pool, he refused to negotiate.

“Don’t overthink it, just get in, just get in, just get in.”

Choosing Which Emotions You Entertain

One of the most memorable ideas Brian shares is his concept of “emotional visitors.”

“What kind of emotional visitors do you throw a ticker tape parade for and invite into your home mentally?”

Fear, sadness, and anger may show up. You can acknowledge them without making them comfortable. When joy, peace, or hope appear, Brian believes those moments deserve attention.

“Run outside, throw your arms around that visitor, invite them inside and entertain the hell out of them.”

Growth, resilience, and performance are shaped by what we choose to dwell on.

Inspiration Before Escape

Brian offers an insight that resonates deeply, especially for Masters swimmers navigating fatigue or doubt.

“Sometimes when we think we’re worn down and we need a break, what we really need is to be inspired.”

Rest matters. Burnout is real. Sometimes the missing piece is a challenge that reconnects us to who we are and what we’re capable of becoming.

Brian’s story isn’t about eliminating fear. It’s about refusing to let fear decide the size of your life.

If you enjoy Masters swimming stories that explore mindset, resilience, and personal growth, you’ll feel right at home here. Subscribe to the show, share it with a teammate, and if you have a moment, leaving a quick review helps more swimmers find us. You can also stay connected by joining our Mojo Messages, short encouraging messages sent straight to your inbox to help you live well and swim well. Let us know what fear you’re ready to face next. We’re cheering you on.

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice. Please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com