Better Swimming By Mental Imagery
Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2009
by Jay Hopson
Winning athletes do it, as well as successful business people. More and more motivational researchers are catching onto the fact that your habitual thought patterns affect your performance in every day life. It really isn't that much of a surprise when you think about it. How many of us see ourselves as great swimmers? Probably only about 5 to 6 percent of the population have the mental attitudes and imagery to see themselves in that way. The good news is that there's a lot we can do as individuals to change our mental imagery
Of course this doesn't mean you don't even get in the pool while you're changing that image. As you rebuild your internal image, you need to be laying the groundwork for the outer image to take shape. You fertilize the new seeds you are planting as you practice your swimming techniques. Every time you have a doubt or the shadow of the old imagery crosses your mind, you must discipline that thought by blocking it and reversing it to the new image. Spend the first few minutes of every day reaffirming your new status as a great swimmer.
Notice the words that flow through your mind also. Chances are they are founded on the old image of yourself. A life time of hearing negative speeches to ourselves takes some time to turn around. Changing those words to positive self talk will make a big difference. Baby steps are best at first. Make an audio recording telling yourself how good you are for a change. Listen to it regularly. Stick with constant positive thought patterns and you will soon find yourself swimming with the best of them.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Jay, this article is very helpful to me. "...positive self talk will make a difference." I will remember this. Thanks for sharing.NenitaGlad to help Nenita
I really enjoy reading articles about people who have found out that the first step to being is envisioning the ability to be. Every time I read something like this, I'm reminded that I'm not alone in that school of thought.Though, I must admit I've never tried it with swimming. I think I might now just because of this! Thanks for writing this.- Fresna V.Thank you Fresna, for reading and commenting. Imagination will take you far, but if you never swam before I would also like to suggest some lessons! :)
You are correct. I know I where my "imagination" out. I remind and have reminded my kids that "imagination" can take you from where you are to where you wish to be. This is a very good article. If nothing in, nothing will come out.ClarenceThank you Clarence... I like the way you put that; "imagination"can take you from where you are to where you wish to be. " Well Said.
Great content. As a swimmer, myself, I can tell you that this theory will work. It got me through junior Olympics trials! Thanks for sharing.Thank you for your input, Andrea. Good luck!
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