What do gold medalists Natalie Coughlin, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh and Michael Phelps have in common with the rest of us? No matter how hard these champions have trained, no matter how genetically well-endowed they are (and they are!), without mental strength, there’s no way any of them would have made it to the podium.
Controlling the way they think is their number one weapon—and it’s something the rest of us can do, too. When I need a bit of extra motivation and inspiration, say, when I’m about to go on live network television, I resort to a simple visualization trick used by many Olympians: I imagine myself doing whatever it is I’m about to do—public speaking or competing in a tough race—on my best day.
When you’re about to do something challenging, it’s easy to imagine all the bad stuff that can happen—forgetting your cues or making a gaffe—the list goes on. But I don’t let myself entertain the idea of disaster. My goal is to walk in prepared, and then relax and enjoy whatever it is I’m doing, knowing I’ve done everything I can do to be successful.
I visualize that success, then move toward it and savor it. And you know what? Usually the appearance or performance feels so good once I’m into it, I really stop worrying and start doing it well! Have a goal of your own? Check out SELF’s 4-week plan for a stronger, fitter you.
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