What You See Is What You Get With Visualization

World class athletes know that visualizing a desired end outcome is important to their success. This often is characterized as learned skill. The key is to relax in a comfortable position and just think about your sport. This may sound easy, but to be effective visualization must be practiced in a conscious way.

Also known as mental rehearsal or imagery, thinking about an activity stimulates the brain to send electrical signals to the muscles involved just as if the action was really taking place but without any actual movement. We all know the saying, practice makes perfect, so one of the major benefits of using visualization is that the pattern of movements needed to create a successful action can be practiced without the muscles suffering physical fatigue in the process.

As in all areas of life, the key to success is combining thinking positive thoughts with powerful actions. Competitive athletes use visualization to prepare themselves for every eventuality at an event so that nothing on the day can throw a spanner in the works! They can prepare for noisy crowds, poor weather, and even for their performance not being up to scratch by creating a positive outcome for every situation. British javelin thrower Steve Backley is reported to have prepared by imagining himself to be in the last round of a major competition, in a losing position and with only one throw left. This could be viewed as a fairly negative situation but visualization allowed him to 'see' his final throw being technically perfect and winning him the medal.

Another benefit of learning this technique is that this type of training can continue throughout the year. Most sports have a season but visualization can be practiced at any time and is particularly useful during periods when physical training may be less intensive. Athletes tapering for a major competition can reduce the risk of over-training by using mental imagery to remain focused and injured athletes can keep 'muscle memory' active by continuing to train through their minds. Champion golfer Jack Nicklaus has often said that he never takes a shot, in training or in competition, without first of all seeing that shot through his mind's eye and there are many other top players in a variety of sports who all agree that their winning performances are 'seen' many times before they become realities.

Remember to always train properly, think positively, and consider incorporating the technique of visualization. Like top performers you may find that what you see is what you will get, and that can be a good thing!

By: Don MacNaughton

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Want to learn More About Donald MacNaughton? www.donmacnaughton.org His work spans leadership and performance development in both the corporate and sporting arenas. Zoned in Performance is a business consultancy specializing in High Performance Coaching and Performance Psychology. To learn more about 'Mental Toughness" to achieve winning results, sign up free at sportmotivation.co.