3 Ways to Get Ready for Anything; Lessons From All-Stars, Olympic Champions and World Cup Players

Breath, See, Believe

I get the unique opportunity to work with world class and elite level athletes on a daily basis. One day I had a member of the US National Soccer team, an All Star Major League Baseball player, and an Olympic Gold Medalist in 3 back-to-back sessions. What is amazing about these elite level performers is that whatever they are getting ready for, a weight room session, a speed workout, an actual performance the seriousness at which they prepare themselves mentally never changes. They attack everything with a systematic approach that leaves no room for doubt. What is even more amazing is that the approach is so clear and simple anyone can use it to help them perform at their highest levels no matter what they are getting ready for. The key is to actually practice using it and then apply it with great consistency. The 3 step approach is as follows:

1) CLEAN THE SLATE. Before getting started they make sure their mind is clear and empty from the stresses of the day. One easy way that they do this is by focusing on their breathing. One quick way to help focus on breathing is to simply count as the breath comes in and goes out. For example, inhale for 5 seconds, hold the breath for 5 seconds, and then release the breath without sound over 5 seconds. Then take 5 breaths in that manner. By the last breath the heart rate will have slowed down and any other thoughts that might clutter your mindset will have been cleared away. It is almost as if these elite athletes walk up to a board with a giant eraser and clean off everything so they can decide what they want future they want to write.

2) SEE THE PATH. Once a clean slate is achieved these incredible performers decide to insert a vision of intense and focused success. They visualize the steps of performance for whatever they are about to do. They see themselves doing the actions required from their own eyes as if they were actually doing it. The see the fastball being released and their bat crushing the ball. They see each and every step of a race and how it feels when they start and cross the finish line, they see the cross coming into the 18 yard box and they feel their foot striking the ball then they watch as the ball goes into the upper 90. This helps these athletes increase their focus and confidence as well as fire off their neuromuscular systems. They simply see from their own eyes what they are going to do and how they are going to do it.

3) BE WHO YOU DECIDE TO BE. After breathing and visualizing these athletes finish their preparation time by deciding who they are. Once they decide this they typically can say some power phrases. For example “I am clear and calm” or “I am enthusiastic and energized” or “I am ready for anything that comes my way and I thrive in pressure.” Whatever they want to be it is becomes sometimes as simple as deciding and then declaring. Again the key is they actually say it to themselves with total belief and conviction.

So now it’s up to you to begin doing this simple process as you prepare for anything and everything. Because remember how we do anything, is how we do everything.