“I’ve been visualizing ever since I was 12 or 13 when my amazing mother introduced me to it … I find it very helpful … I believe we create our reality with our mind.” The incredible victory Bianca Andreescu scored against Serena Williams at the recent U.S. Open is one she had already visualised many times over and over in her mind. Visualisation has been part of Bianca’s daily routine for years.
Bianca’s visualise imagery of beating the formidable Serena Williams included mentally picturing herself holding the trophy after winning the game through to her receiving her winner’s cheque. All important details in her visualisation imagery and a crucial part of her strategy that formed her mindset. Bianca visualised her dreams to became a reality.
Visualisation in sport is nothing new, especially at this level of competitive sport. Serena herself is quoted as saying 70% of the game is in your mind… Professional athletes use visualisation and self hypnosis regularly to see every single detail of the game in their mind, to prepare themselves for all the scenarios they might be faced with and how they deal with it the match or tournament.
So you might think how does this relate to you – you are not trying to win the US Open so how can visualisation help you. But your US Open (or Wimbledon) is unique to you, your winning moment might be meeting with your boss to discuss your pay rise, losing the 10 kilos, meeting Mr or Mrs Right, going back to university, recruiting the right team for your start up, or visualising yourself presenting at a meeting with confidence. Your victory moments are unique and personal goals for you. It is important to acknowledge that of course Bianca has also put in a phenomenal amount of physical training to become the incredible tennis player and athlete. She has put in years of physical training on and off the court, but visualisation is powerful training for the mind. Think of it as training for your mindset, and what the mind believes the body will follow.
It’s important to acknowledge that of course Bianca has also put in a phenomenal amount of physical training to become an incredible tennis player and athlete. She has put in years of physical training on and off the court, but visualisation is powerful training for the mind… think of it as training for your mindset, and what the mind believes the body will follow.