I remember the day pictured above like it was yesterday.
I spoke live at the Portland Women’s Show.
Now, what was interesting is this: even though I speak live daily, and at the time I was on the air with my fitness radio show daily, I was a bundle of nerves before I got on stage.
The truth is, I was worried. I thought I would forget what I needed to say…or that I wouldn’t be able to get my points across clearly.
Seriously.
Before it began, my wife Beth filmed me looking like I had just seen the ghost of someone yelling, “Go Home!”.
So the announcer introduced me…
I approached the stage …
And what happened next was amazing.
You see…
the moment my mouth opened, all jitters evaporated.
The words came out smoothly and clearly.
I forgot where I was.
How?
3 words…
I
was
prepared.
No… I didn’t memorize a script. I just happened to be speaking on a topic with which I was familiar. And didn’t want to read a mental “script” — or sound… you know… forced.
So how did I prepare?
The key was this:
before the show I used the power of my imagination to “preview” the future.
I pictured the crowd laughing. I felt my feet planted firmly on the ground. I saw myself smiling and felt myself enjoying myself. I pictured myself as 50 feet tall. I imagined the scene exactly as I wanted it to be…picturing the end with everyone clapping and me feeling satisfied that I delivered helpful information. And most of all… I pictured the people clearly understanding the message and feeling happy about that.
I made it as real as I could and didn’t let a single thought of failure wiggle into my mini mind-movie.
Now why did I do that? What’s so special about mental movies and imagination? How can imagination improve anything at all?
Well…
A long time ago, I decided the worst that could realistically ever happen was someone would yell “boooo” from the back row.
And I’ve come to realize.. ok, so what. I’ve carefully considered the law of averages. And you know what? The reality is, it’s as likely to get a boo and a hiss when you are prepared and in the moment as it is to get struck by an armadillo driving a bus. Plus, I figured I could handle it even if I did get a boo. My life wouldn’t be over and I would get a second chance to improve and try again.
I would live.
So, when the time came my mind was free of mental roadblocks.
Guess what?
It was great!
We laughed… I got my points across and everybody won.
Not a single boo.
How can you apply these ideas to your life? Your body? Your weight loss efforts?
Are you stumbling blindly into life’s “stressful” situations? Or do you clearly envision the outcome exactly the way you want it to be?
Do you prepare for your success by establishing and following a plan? Do you foam roll? Stretch? Eat healthy foods? Plan your meals? Go to bed at a decent hour so you can have the energy for Boot Camp?
Expect the best of yourself. Imagine it. Let go and get out of the way of your mind. Make a decision.
And charge boldly forth!
Cheers,
D
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7 Comments
You know there was only one time I failed in front of an audience–in college–I wanted to go on this trip and you had to compete in a speech contest to win the trip. I was a shoo in..and I thought I had memorized my speech so I did not bring speech cards…a few minutes before my speech began–I actually envisioned myself forgetting my speech (wrong type of thoughts)…and you know what I fulfilled that vision. I was so mad–and I was not prepared mentally, and so when I stumbled on my sentence…I told the judges…”I think I better sit down now.”
I have never done that again. When I speak in front of audiences, I am prepared with a script…and I envision what I want them to be thinking when I am done. Weight loss is just like that. I envision “I am strong, I am healthy, and I am the right weight.” I prepare each day mentally…and I make sure I have the right tools (good foods, foam roller, and positive attitude). I should have won that speech hands down…but I learned and later on when I graduated from college–I remember traveling to the place that was the prize…standing on the hill and saying “I’m here” and I am prepared. That is what it means to be in the moment:-)
Ouch. Great illustration of self-fulfilling prophecy, Julie!
This is so true, Daniel! Thank you for the reminder. I have a presentation tomorrow for work so this is a good “shot in the arm”. See you in the morning…
Daniel, you are so right on. A few months ago you shared with us that we needed a positive vision of ourselves with our goals in mind. Not the usual negative chatter like I want to get rid of my muffin top, that had been my mantra but to put it in the positive that I am a strong woman running up the hill (with my pants falling off…and now they do) I know that with a fellow camper we shared our visions and they came true Occasionally while in a rough patch I slip up but as in your last post, I sail past that island of discontent and again focus on my vision of being a stronger woman running, jumping and now my vision is that doing that new twisty thang! Thanks D for keeping us focused.
You are most definitely strong, Marywynn. And today you ROCKED BOOT CAMP!
Okay, this is good for me to read right now. I’ve been a bit frustrated this week since (I’m bummed to admit) my weigh-in at Weight Watchers on Tuesday. I know I’m getting stronger, but I thought I was going to be down a pound or two, and instead I was up half a pound. Not that much, but disappointing all the same. That night I was really crabby at home, which usually I’m not. Then Wednesday’s Tabor run was really tough for me, and definitely un-fun.
I’m not sore today, and I’m eating pretty healthy, so I’m taking care of myself, but I’ve found myself having to work past a wall this week. Plus I’ve been extra tired, even though I’ve been going to bed early and sleeping well.
I have a lot going on at work, so that might be part of my frustration. In any case, this is a good reminder to keep focused on where I want to be. I don’t usually get nervous about mental stuff, or work, because I can handle that. But I am scared of failure with getting back into shape.
So I’ll work on visualizing success. And some of my pants are feeling a tiny bit big, so that helps too.
Joan, seeing the scale stay the same or go up a little can be frustrating for sure. Keep in mind that when you start working out harder like we do, you tend to drink more water and store it… so you end up weight a little more… even if you are losing body fat. The scale might not show a pound loss even if you lost a pound of fat. Eventually it will move though. It’s all about the caloric deficit. If it does not move, you need to reestablish a caloric deficit. That’s just the facts. Focus on how your clothes fit and how you look in the mirror.
The extra tiredness sounds like possible over training… having you been putting in runs or workouts outside of class?
Visualizing success is definitely important. Then you plan for it, decide to pay the price it takes to get it… then you do it.
Cheers!