Put your mind behind it

Visualization is the technique that uses thoughts and imagination to bring about changes. It's pretty simple: picture in your mind the situation you desire to achieve as vividly as possible. Concentrate on the image, truly believing in it as if it were already real. Be detailed in your visualization and include your emotions and physical reactions.

Visualization is a great way to fool the brain because it cannot always distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. By using your imagination, you can create positive experiences that improve your self-image and your skills, and help you make your goals a reality. However, it is important that your vision must be something you can believe in, something within reach.

I am a firm believer in the power of the mind. The first time I validated the power of my mind was in college. Every fall, when we returned from summer break, my basketball coach required us to run a mile in a certain time. I was never very fast, so I was very stressed about running a 6:15 mile. Every morning before I got out of bed, I would visualize myself running around the track, making each lap in the necessary time, and crossing the finish line in 6:15 (I also worked hard at the track each week to get my lap times down). I dropped 45 seconds off my mile time and was able to complete the mile in 6:13. As I was running the mile in front of my coach, I started to feel just like I did when I visualized it. It made me realize that thinking, feeling and imagining movements in my head could be replicated in real life.

I did the same thing with my pull-ups, and after months of work, I finally was able to get my chin above the bar!

So I am asking all of you, to visualize your goals. Think about how you will feel doing the muscle-up, or full range handstand push-up, or whatever your goal. So put your mind to work, let it help your body! Together they will make your goals a reality!!!