You do not need to push your limits to become a freediver

This is one of the misconceptions worth dismantling early.

Freediving performance is extremely measurable.

Seconds.

Metres.

Depth.

Distance.

That makes it easy to turn every session into an exam.

Yesterday you held your breath for 2:30, therefore today 2:45 must somehow represent personal growth.

Yesterday you reached 15 metres, therefore 16 metres apparently awaits like the next level in a video game.

That is not how good training works.

Progress in freediving is not only the number at the end of the dive.

Better equalization is progress.

Using less effort is progress.

Becoming more relaxed is progress.

Recognizing your own sensations is progress.

Improving your safety skills is progress.

Learning when not to continue a dive is absolutely progress.

Depth and breath-hold eventually emerge from a much larger collection of skills.

If you begin by chasing the number while those skills are still poorly developed, you are building the house from the balcony down.