What are the advantages of using mental preparation in everyday life?
by Christelle Marchetti | on March, 07 2024 |
The mind plays a key role in sports performance, but not only that. In business and personal life, the mind can often set us apart, free us. That’s why mental preparation, with the help of visualization, is so useful not only in sport, but also in many everyday situations.
What is a champion’s mind? How do mental preparation and visualization work? How do you develop the mind of a champion?
What is a champion mindset?
A “champion mindset” enables people to effectively manage stress, pressure and emotions during projects. He overcomes obstacles, accepts failures as learning opportunities and stays focused on his goals. Their self-confidence is unshakeable and their perseverance unfailing.
In business, for example, the person may have all the technical skills and abilities, but without a well-trained mind, they won’t be able to exploit their full potential. Mental preparation can help in sport, business or private life!
To help a champion’s mind develop and maintain its strength over the long term, despite the trials and tribulations, mental preparation is a great help!
What is mental preparation?
Mental preparation is preparation for competition, the main aim of which is to optimize performance, promote the pleasure of practice and achieve autonomy. It also involves developing mental skills. There are three main families of mental skills:
- Mental skills, such as knowing how to set a goal, make a commitment or trust oneself.
- Psychosomatic skills, such as stress management and the ability to relax.
- Cognitive skills, such as concentration, the ability to prepare for competitions or deadlines, or the ability to work with mental imagery.
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Mental preparation involves training in several of these dimensions to protect oneself from frustration, create a protective bubble and achieve the desired level of performance.
For example, a professional who is unable to control his or her emotions will simply not be able to express his or her expertise and value within the company, or to clients.
Similarly, a student who has studied intensely but has difficulty managing stress or anxiety on the big day, will have an impact on the delivery of his or her knowledge.
Similarly, a pregnant woman who mentally prepares for childbirth will be more aware of her body and its tensions, and better able to manage the birth, its pains and any doubts or fears.
How important is visualization in mental preparation?
It has been proven that
the brain can’t tell the difference between an action that’s actually happening and one it’s imagining.
So, the ultimate mental training method is visualization. Visualization consists in mentally imagining oneself succeeding in an entire action. Visualizing oneself succeeding familiarizes people with this idea and makes them more aware that they are capable.
Visualization can be used to facilitate learning, boost self-confidence and overcome psychological blocks such as self-doubt.
How to develop a champion's mind with mental preparation?
- Work on short- and long-term goals
Setting clear, realistic goals is essential to maintaining motivation and measuring progress. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART).
- Use visualization
Imagine yourself in action. This allows you to “pre-live” your performance and boost your self-confidence.
And visualize success, victory or achieving a goal. This helps you focus on the positive aspect of your project or objective. It reduces stress and increases motivation!
- Boost mental strength and assertiveness
Self-encouragement is essential for developing a champion mindset. Congratulate yourself on your successes and motivate yourself when you encounter difficulties. Positive affirmations and inner encouragement boost self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Improve your handling of negative thoughts.
It’s important to learn to recognize them and replace them with positive, constructive thoughts.
DO YOU KNOW?
Sophrology is an excellent ally for mental preparation: it offers mental and muscular relaxation practices, combined with positive programming techniques: this makes it easier to project yourself towards the success of your objective, thanks to detailed and complete preparation.
Try sophrology, adopt it and practice it with ease. Individual or group sessions!
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