Visualization

So, this visualization thing… is it just daydreaming? No, but many people think so. Visualization is a crucial component of success for most champions, be they champions of sport, business or the arts. When a person is extremely focused on their goal, they will keep an image in their mind of what success will look like, and they play it over and over again. They don’t think about what failure might look like, because to do so might distract them from their goal. Our brain often can’t tell the difference between perceived reality and actually reality, so if you visualize yourself succeeding, your brain will have a much easier time believing that success is not only possible but inevitable.

Champions have got this technique down, but what if you’re new to it? Well, in that case, start with day-dreaming. Sit back and imagine what your success will look like – drink in every sight, sound and smell. Just don’t stop there. A champion takes that initial daydream and works backward, visualizing all the steps between that moment of success and the present day – then starts acting on it. If visualization gets you moving toward your goal, it’s working. If not, then, yeah, it’s just daydreaming. It’s up to you to decide which.

- Flight Lieutenant Ben