The Power of Visualization – Seeing Your Success Ahead of Time
Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus always played a course in his mind before actually beginning a game. In his own words: "I never hit a shot, not even in practice, without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head. First I see the ball where I want it to finish, nice and white and sitting up high on the bright green grass. Then the scene quickly changes, and I see the ball going there; its path, trajectory, and shape, even its behavior on landing. Then there is a sort of fade-out, and the next scene shows me making the kind of swing that will turn the previous images into reality."
Rarely is high performance achievable and sustainable without some level of proficiency in visualization. Author Shakti Gawain says "Creative visualization is the technique of using your imagination to create what you want in your life." The literature is full of content and examples of athletes and others who incorporate visualization into their performance rituals. Please read on for some powerful information related to this performance-enhancing tool. Whatever your field of endeavor – whether it is running, singing, doing presentations, or intentionally building better relationships – visualization can assist you in achieving your goals.
Here is some great additional reading:
Creative Visualization In Sports
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=149967&ca=Sports
Improve Your Sport Performance with Visualization Techniques
Guided Imagery May Improve Athletic Performance
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/sport_psych/a/aa091700a.htm
How To Use Imagery and Self-Hypnosis for Sports
Step-by-step guide to Using Imagery and Self-Hypnosis
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sportspsychology/a/Imagery_How_To.htm
Some closing thoughts…
Visualizing while meditating seems to accelerate the effects. Individuals who have mastered the process know that when you are visualizing your goals as if they are already complete it helps your brain to:
- Activate your subconscious creative power, causing your brain to generate all kinds of wonderful creative ideas which will help you to move closer to making your dreams a reality.
- Activate your power of attraction. Like a magnet, you will attract into your life the resources, circumstances, and connections to people needed to accomplish what you desire.
People report that they notice “new” experiences when incorporating imaging into their lives consistently:
- You may start experiencing Synchronicities – Meaningful coincidences related to what you want to manifest.
- Serendipitous events start pouring into your life – Suddenly, it seems everyone and everything wants to help you to get you what you desire.
- People and places are suddenly so accommodating to your desires.
- Your Reality starts shifting, even though you may be around the same place and people that you were before.
Sources
Brouziyne M, Molinaro C. "Mental imagery combined with physical practice of approach shots for golf beginners." Perceptual and Motor Skills. 2005 Aug;101(1):203-11.
Isaac, A. R. (1992). "Mental Practice- Does it Work in the Field?" The Sport Psychologist, 6, 192-198.
Martin, K.A., Hall, C. R. (1995). "Using Mental Imagery to Enhance Intrinsic Motivation." Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17(1), 54-69.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/what-is-imagery/
http://www.mindtraining.net/sports_index.php3
Categories: Author - Jacqueline Moore, Topic - Mental Preparation
great article!
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I thought that visualization technique was BS. But I tried it anyway. I won several State Motorcycle Championships. I firmly belive that relaxation, and visulization played a significant role in my winning those championships. See more on my site at www.GearHeadCollege.com, When I was racing i kept relaxation and visualization secret, my unfair advantage.
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