I was introduced to visualization as a tool to improve as an athlete more than 10 years ago. Since then, it has served me not only in sports, but also in my personal and professional life.

Visualization, or nowadays more often called imagery, is the practice of repeatedly imaging an activity without actually engaging in it. It's a way to train the brain to react quicker and better in challenging situations. One example are ski aerialists that live through a jump by performing a "dry run". The technique is used by most sport psychologists and top athletes nowadays. The practice can range from simply visualizing a performance in front of one's inner eye, up to actually going through all the motions involved in the execution.

It's a proven method, not only in sports, but also with the Navy SEAL's who reduced their dropout rate significantly by adding visualization (they call it mental rehearsal) to their training.

And visualization not only helps in physical activities, but is also a great way to prepare for the challenges at work or in private life. When preparing for a presentation for example, practical rehearsals can be complemented with mental rehearsals. Also when attempting to change certain behaviours that seem "hardwired" in our personality, for example reaction to stress, visualization can help a great deal to improve.

There's many different techniques to develop the skills and practice visualization. Personally, I limit myself to a pure mental visualization nowadays without involving motions or other aspects. The reason is that I mainly combine it with a practice of self-reflection or in preparation of important meetings or presentations. Because I am easily disturbed by surrounding noise, I have a very particular relaxation sound track that I use for my practice. I then start with focussing on a specific place (always the same spot) and try to imagine all the noises, smells, and pictures connected with that place (even feeling the sunlight on my face). Only when I have established that focus do I move into practicing for the actual situation or activity that is subject to training.

That's just my way of doing it and very specific to my needs. The most important thing is to regularly practice and engage in visualization.

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Please share any comments and inputs you may have (comment function, twitter, e-mail, etc.). In my short write-ups I address topics that I am particularly interested in because they align with my values and beliefs. As such, they are always a reflection of my ideas, thoughts, and opinions. The only thing I am positive in that regard is that I do not have all the perspectives, all the knowledge, or all the facts - help me be better tomorrow.