All athletes must work on the mental part of their game just like they do the physical part. I often thought as I watched the US Gymnastic Team competing, as they would close their eyes while awaiting their turn. I bet they were seeing in their minds eye exactly what they wanted the outcome to be. You must see it first in your mind and believe it will happen, and then it will become a reality. This is the power of the subconscious mind. Jack Canfield states that one of the most important forty-five minutes of your day happens just before you go to sleep. I too have taught this principle for years and it is very successful. According to Canfield, set aside time at the end of your day to do these four things:
1. Acknowledge your success. Give yourself credit for what you have accomplished in your day. Focus on what you did RIGHT!
2. Review your goals. What did you get accomplished? What goals need to move forward to the next day? Where could you have been more effective?
3. Focus on your successful future. Focus on what you DO want, not what you don’t want. Keep a clear vision of your future.
4. Make specific plans for what you want to accomplish the next day. WRITE IT DOWN!
During the night your subconscious mind replays and processes your late night input up to six times more often than anything else you experienced during the day. If you are falling asleep watching the late news, those are the images you will replay during your sleep! Instead, read your goals, read some positive material, close your eyes, and visualize your goals for the next day.
You may not be in Beijing but you are amazing, and you can, and have, overcome adversity, and you have taken the gold!
