It's your choice to make this a priority or not. You need to make the commitment and take the time to utilize this skill. It should become a regular part of your practice schedule. Consistent practice: Just as with physical training, mental training should be done habitually.You want to make sure you are only visualizing the positive. You control the movements and the outcome. You are in control: You need to be able to control the images you create in your mind.You need to make sure you are adding in not only what you see but also what you hear, smell, taste, and what you feel. Use all of your senses: The better and more detailed the image, the better your body can understand what it has to do.Here are some key elements to consider when using imagery: The purpose of imagery is to achieve in your mind exactly what it is you want your body to do. Imagery provides the strength, energy and motivation for upcoming events by recalling, step-by-step, the feelings of success. For example, recalling your best performance, correcting technical errors and putting yourself in different situations under all sorts of conditions to help take away the element of surprise.Įvery person has the ability to visualize success, it's just a matter of doing it.
The goal is to use your mind to work on all aspects of your performance. Imagery is a skill, a cognitive process in which you use your mind to create an experience that is not unlike the physical event. Since the mind leads the body, this is an invaluable tool if it is done correctly and on a consistent basis. The body cannot distinguish between something that is really happening, and something that they are visualizing. One of the most powerful tools an athlete can use is imagery. If you can dream it you can become it." -William Arthur Ward. "If you can imagine it you can achieve it. To Sport Psychology Index Imagery by Karlene (Sugarman) Pick, M.A.