The Big 4 of Mental Toughness – Part 3

The Big 4 of Mental Toughness – Part 3

 
In the movie Sherlock Holmes Robert Downey Jr. uses a keenly developed sense of visualization to see a fight unfold in his mind moments before the actual fight begins.  This appears to the movie-goer as if it was a special power that Sherlock had and us “normal” people don’t.  Rubbish!
 
As you have no doubt discovered by now, I believe the secret to happiness, success and riches lie in cultivating the full power of our minds.  The mind is truly the most creative and destructive force ever introduced to the known world.  It is routinely used to create amazing things, including the life you dream of, and also to destroy it all in a second. 
 
The secret weapon of the warrior is not the M-4, but visualization.  This is the one tool that every Navy SEAL, Astronaut, Apache Scout, Olympian, Spartan, Samurai, Ninja and Top Executive though the ages have used to super-charge their results. 
 
See it, feel it, achieve it!
 
If you are new to visualization it can seem simple and yet, daunting.  How do you know if you are doing it right?  Clearly you have embarked on flights of fantasy with wild imaginative meanderings.  As a kid I was an avid daydreamer, often getting the chalk eraser beaned into my head from the teacher who was not impressed with my visualization skills.  Imagination is a form of visualization that has many benefits.  Not everyone has the ability to see in their mind’s eye. So if you love to day dream – you have an advantage!
 
What if you see a warrior sitting quietly in the corner before a mission – do you think he is imagining what it would be like to have a successful mission?  Well, not really.  He is doing is Focused Visualization.  Focused Visualization is controlled, directed and empowered imagination grounded in a very specific purpose.
 
Let’s take a look at two distinct forms of focused visualization that you will want to learn as you develop your mental powers.
 
Performance Imagery
 
This form of focused visualization is used for mental rehearsal for a specific narrow skill set or mission.   So, for instance, if you about to test for your next belt in a particular martial art, you might visualize a particular kata, or arrest technique or series of kicks, punches, locks and throws.  You continually imagine yourself going through the motions in your mind’s eye.  You might slow things down so you ensure proper technique and/or speed them up to ensure effectiveness in a self-defense situation.  This type of technique allows you to:

• Analyze and correct errors
• Improve techniques
• Simulate various alternative responses
• Maintain skills
• Increase confidence

 
When we practice our self-defense program at SEALFIT we often will visualize the movement, and add very subtle body movements as if we were shadow boxing with our eyes closed.  This reinforces the mind-body connection, and makes the internal visualization practice even more powerful and lasting. 
 
Future Imagery
 
You have no doubt held a vision in your mind of how you see yourself.  Sometimes this differs from how others view you – either positively or negatively.  Regardless, what if you learn to hold a powerful vision of who you want to be at some time-certain future (Navy SEAL, Firefighter, Senator, Black Belt…).  If you back the mental vision with massive action, do the work to root out negative blocks, and propel your vision with desire, belief and expectation, then surely you will become that person. 
 
Why does visualization work?  I will save that for when you come to an Unbeatable Mind Academy to master this powerful skill.

	Check out this great audio call from our Unbeatable Mind program that I did with former Detroit Lion’s running back Derek Price where we discuss the role visualization played in his success.  This is part of our Unbeatable Mind Academy, which is available to the SEALFIT community for only $47 a month rather than the normal $67 rate. Listen to my interview with Derek Price, former NFL line-backer and future SEALFIT Kokoro coach. Read More and get in with the special SEALFIT community membership rate Visit Unbeatable Mind
Unbeatable Testimonial “I wanted to pass along some feedback on the program. It is outstanding. It is well worth the very modest fee you charge each month. Your resume crushes mine but I have made and lost (and made back) millions of dollars, sat across the table from everyone from Michael Jordan to UFC champions, studied various forms of personal development, visualization, hypnosis etc. and without a doubt Unbeatable Mind is the best program of its kind. It was the best 43rd birthday present that I could have given to myself.” – Peter Klamka, Unbeatable Mind Member
Notes:	The 3 week Academy is filling up fast. It is the ONLY 3 Week Academy in 2012.  The next will be July 2013.   Please  join us to master SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind principles and practices, then test yourself with a free Combat Defense Seminar and Kokoro Camp!

Until then, train hard, stay safe and have fun!

–Mark Divine, founder SEALFIT / Unbeatable Mind