People always seem amazed with the performance of athletes at their peak. I particularly like to watch golfers who get in the zone and can’t seem to do anything wrong. They make it look easy and effortless. The truth is, they have to spend a lot of time practicing, and to take it a step further, they have to practice correctly, accurately, and get continual refinement from top golf instructors and swing coaches.
When I practice my golf swing, I go through what I have been taught and rehearse it mentally (although you wouldn’t know it from how I actually play). Truth be told, there are times when I play fairly well, and times when I am really dialed in at the practice range. There were many years when I practiced without proper form, instruction and it was kind of like the blind leading the blind. It wasn’t until I got the proper instruction that I learned to practice perfectly. Even then, you have to stay with it.
Mentally we have to stay with it to as it relates to our mindset and expectations. If we expect to fail then we will fail. If we expect success, then we will have success. If we are not where we wish to be, then we must behave and think as if success is right around the corner. We must continue to do the things that have been successful in the past rather than reacting to circumstances and allowing those to dictate which activities we are involved in.
One thing that has really helped me over the years and I know other top performers have used is the one minute manager. This is where you take some time to think and anticipate what could go right and what might not. You want to this mental rehearsal prior to any meeting or situation that we are involved in. One big thing is that we want to expect a positive result and focus our attention on that, and not dwell on what could go wrong. So often we get in the habit of expecting things to go wrong that we are shocked when they go right. Here are some things I do to mentally practice and rehearse.
• See the outcome – really get a clear vision of where you want the end result to be.
• See yourself in the process – see yourself being successful and doing exactly what you want – if you can’t see yourself achieving something, then you won’t in reality.
• Anticipate what could go wrong and be prepared – Overall you want to focus on what you want from a positive mindset; but you must also anticipate objections, obstacles and be ready for them.
Lance Armstrong had a coach work with him and get him to look into a mirror and say in the past tense, “I won the Tour De France”. I’m sure those fella’s in the silly spandex riding on the edge of the road all know that. The point is to envision what you want in your life, rehearse it in your mind perfectly and watch it come to pass.
Ignite your passion!
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