World class athletes often talk about using visualization to help them succeed. You’ll hear NFL players, NBA All Stars and Olympic champions say they do this. This always sounds a bit like the magical thinking promoted by “The Secret” and self-help hucksters to me.
But, as I am recovering from hernia surgery, I am doing my own version of visualization. Normally, I practice an intense workout routine. Since I cannot do this until I recover, I’ve been rehearsing it in my mind every morning as I walk the dog.
I am not visualizing any spectacular results or new records. I simply review each movement , step-by-step, from beginning to end. Somehow, this is helping me to deal with not be able to exercise the way I want and need to.
I think it helps because I am engaging, at least somewhat, in my daily routine.
In my working days, when I had an upcoming job interview, presentation or a public speaking engagement I did the same thing. I would rehearse in advance. Once I felt I had it down, I would rehearse in front of my wife, a friend or coworker and ask for their critique.
Then, when the actual event took place, more often than not, I was ready to handle it. I may not have aced every one, but I’m certain I did better than I would have without this practice.
So I’ll keep doing my own visualization practice until I am able to get back into the full swing of things with my workouts. If all it does is keep my mind chatter to a minimum right now, I’ll consider that a big success. If suddenly I find myself able to do one arm pull-ups, one-arm handstands and backflips, I’ll be sure to let you and the author of the secret, know.