Visualization is a commonly used technique in sports but sadly uncommon in most other endeavors.
All sports stars (and most amateurs) will visualize the end result, their way there and the feeling of completion before, making their attempt.
But in life (outside of the sports arena) we do not.
We forget that this technique can help us not only jump farther and run faster but also become better in other areas such as sales, relationships and finance.
The first time I realized this was early in my sales career.
Whilst we were working, one of the senior salesmen at the company came over and asked to talk to me privately.
I was excited; Wonder what she wanted to tell me?
She asked me if I played sports.
I answered “I play baseball”.
“At what level?” She asked.
“I play for the Swedish Junior National Team” Was my reply.
“Good, now why don’t you do what you do there, here?” she asked.
I was stumped, what did she mean?
She explained, “Every time you go up to bat or they hit the ball to you, you already know what to do. You have seen it happen a million times in your head and you know it will go well. Why don’t you do that here? Why don’t you visualize your results here as well?”
“I … don’t … know”, I stammered.
She got up and left me to think it over.
I realized she was right; of course it works for other things than sports!
The technique doesn’t make you faster or stronger; it makes you more confident and relaxed. It is a chance to practice and learn!
I started visualizing everything and I started to see results.
I sounded more confident during my calls, I had more compelling arguments, I was more prepared for their objections and I wasn’t nervous when we came to asking for the order.
Here are the 5 steps I use before every action I take:
1. Start by closing your eyes and clearing your mind
Take a few deep breaths. You want to be able to focus completely on the task at hand.
2. Focus on your goal, what do you want to accomplish
Start at the end, what is it you want to complete?
3. See yourself doing it, perfectly.
Go through the motions in your mind, see yourself making the perfect sales call, hitting the homerun, makes the perfect presentation.
4. Feel the sense of fulfillment when you have completed it
See it, feel it, smell it. Imagine that you are there and have accomplished your goal, perfectly.
5. See yourself doing it again.
Repeating this final step until you can see it perfectly is what will make it a success. Practice, practice, practice and then use it when the time comes.
Conclusion
Visualizing your goals isn’t just for sports, but for all endeavors.
Use this powerful technique and keep improving your abilities to perform.
