If you’ve been in the sports world for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of visualization. 

And if you’re here, you probably have a hunch that it’s important. 

I’m here to tell you you’re absolutely right! 

Professional and elite athletes use visualization and imagery regularly as a part of their training and success. 

The great news is that this is available to athletes of any age! And it’s simpler to do than you might think. 

Below, you’re going to learn why visualization is your athlete’s superpower to become the player she wants to be and exactly how to get started with three easy steps. 

What Is Visualization?

Visualization is creating a mental image, visual, or storyline in your brain. It is similar to watching a movie or seeing yourself perform a movement, skill, or task (without actually physically doing it). 

Visualization allows us to experience events before they happen. When done correctly, our brain activates the exact same neuromuscular patterns as it would if we were actually performing the movement, skill, or task. 

In other words, our brain doesn’t know the difference between real and imagined when we visualize. 

And the science happens to tell us it works REALLY well to improve performance. Just check out this study, or this one where athletes were able to increase their skills and strength all through visualization alone. 

Why Is Visualization Important?

We can use the science behind visualization to our advantage! 

Visualization preps our brain and body for action and allows athletes to practice and become what they want to accomplish before they actually step on the court to do it. 

This is SUCH a powerful tool because it allows athletes to be prepared and align their actions to who they want to become. 

The more clearly athletes see their goals and the actions they need to take to achieve them, the more achievable these goals will be. 

Through seeing success before they achieve it, athletes build confidence, can regulate their emotions, improve their skill, and help come back from injuries or setbacks. 

On the other hand, if athletes DON’T have clear goals or a way to mentally prepare themselves, they will be at the mercy of what we call an “accidental future.” This is where we sabotage ourselves and let external circumstances control our reality. 

Three Simple Ways To Start Now

You know that visualization is key to athlete success. But how does my athlete get started?!

It’s easier than you think! She doesn’t need any fancy equipment, just a drive to level up (check!) and a couple of interrupted minutes a day to put this into practice. 

We go through my three step process in this episode!
Athletes, this is something you can start today!

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