Thinking like an athlete and other tips for mindset change.

You don’t have to look like an athlete or run like one, but getting yourself in the mindset of an athlete may improve your life. Whilst we may view what sportspeople do as being all down to their physical attributes, most of their success is actually due to the way they think.

Many sports people practice visualisation: they see themselves jumping the longest or highest distance, or coming first in that crucial race. They are totally absorbed in the winning picture. So think what it is you want to achieve and imagine getting there with all the little details: what you can hear and see, the clothes you have on, who is there to see you and what they are saying or doing; you can even imagine the weather. Now think about how you feel about the success. Once you’ve become used to the feelings of success, thoughts can become reality.

Other tools for success include contemplation and reflection, better known as ‘meditation’. If you haven’t meditated before, there are many classes available where you can learn or you can consult a qualified practitioner. The benefits of meditation are numerous, but the ability to think calmly about where you want to be and how you might get there is one. Meditating also helps to lessen any apprehensions you may have, so it’s a good all round way to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Giving yourself a good talking to and declaring how successful you will be is helpful too; the brain will accept what you tell it and learn to believe it! One cautionary note however, is that what you wish for must be realistic. You are not suddenly going to become a number one recording star, a leading Hollywood film actor or the world’s fastest runner if you’ve never sung, acted or run in your life before! Keep it real and learn all you can about the goal you want to achieve.

To get what you want and achieve your goals you must be totally focused and believe in yourself.  Look at all the successful people you know; what do they have in common?  They are probably driven and not easily diverted. And so it is with athletes, they are tough physically and mentally. So why not give it a go and start imagining what you can achieve today and if you struggle to rid yourself of limiting beliefs or self-defeating behaviours, a coach or hypnotherapist can help you to change your mindset so that you can reach your true potential.