Sanju Samson kept visualising what he wanted to do: A simple technique that led him to his goal
According to mental health experts, many legends in various sports disciplines have employed it.
According to mental health experts, many legends in various sports disciplines have employed it.
According to mental health experts, many legends in various sports disciplines have employed it.
After winning the 'Player of the Tournament' at the T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Sunday, cricketer Sanju Samson made some big revelations. The cricketer has been in phenomenal form over the past three matches and even played a major role in India's final win against New Zealand, for 96 runs. For the past two months, Sanju has apparently been in conversation with the legend Sachin Tendulkar and got some solid guidance from him. Sanju also said that since 2024, when he didn't get to play for the World Cup team despite being part of it, the 31-year-old has been visualising what he wanted to do and working towards it.
Legends use the technique
One might wonder whether techniques like visualisations or manifestations can help at all in top professional sports. However, many major health platforms and experts say they can ease anxiety and contribute to relaxation. Mental Health Expert AJ Adams of Psychology Today says many athletes use visualisation to enhance their performance. Interestingly, many, like Tiger Woods and Muhammad Ali, also used to do it regularly in their early careers, engaging all their senses as a mental rehearsal for great moments in their games.
How it helps
According to Adams, today's brain studies show that our thoughts during visualisation result in the same mental instructions, impact our cognitive processes, and train our brains for actual performance. It can also improve confidence, motivation, self-efficacy and motor performance, she says. Can it help an average person as well? Adams says it can be done and even explains how.
Visualisation steps
While it is the most effective when attempted with the help of trained instructors or guides at least in the beginning, here's how it generally progresses.
1) Practice visualisation just when you wake up or when you are about to sleep.
2) Sit with a straight spine
3) Eliminate any kind of doubts from your mind
4) Combine it with affirmations like 'I am talented' or 'I am strong.'
5) Determine your specific goal to achieve.
6)Think of a day on which you have achieved it.
7) Visualise how you would be while it occurs, in real time, in as much detail as possible.
8) Make sure all your senses are engaged during the visualisation.
9) Think of the people you are with, the clothes you are wearing, how the air around you smells, what you hear, the environment around you and its specifics.
According to US-based psychologist Jennice Vihauer, spending a few minutes daily, picturing your goals this vividly, can have positive outcomes as it strengthens optimistic neural pathways in the brain. She opines that the practice can also enhance a person's motivation and emotional resilience.
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