Visualization is the secret weapon of all great athletes. We have all watched, for example, Olympic runners rehearsing the race just before it begins… gazing at the finish line, moving their arms and legs as though they are already running, closing their eyes. They are going through their race, without even running, and all that is happening in their mind.

Visualization is a skill that great performers use to help them succeed and stay on top of their game mentally. Everyone thinks in pictures, however elite athletes utilize the power of guided imagery and visualization consciously, controlling the images or directing an athletic script in their head, and many athletes even engage in the kinaesthetic part of imagery, in order to feel the movement.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has used the power of guided imagery to prepare for success since adolescence. His coach would instruct him to watch a “mental videotape” of his races every day before he went to sleep and when he woke up in the morning, every aspect of swimming a successful race, starting from the blocks and culminating in a celebration after the race was won.