Visualization

Originally written on  Feb. 19, 2008

I'm sure you have heard of visualization.  For some people it may be difficult to visualize something in your head over and over again.  I've found that it works.  I need to do more of it, because when I have done it it has worked for me.  I have mentioned before that I like to golf.  I'd like to be much better at it so I thought I would try visualizing more.  Sometimes I do it when I go to bed at night and I think that helps, but it seems that where it helps the most is actually on the golf course.  I step up to the ball, make a practice swing and visualize where it goes.  I try to actually see the ball flying and then bouncing on the fairway or the green in what would be real time.  Last summer I was out golfing with my son and grandson (He's about 8 yrs old).  On the first hole as I stepped up to hit my second shot I took a practice shot and was deeply into the visualization when my grandson turned to his dad (who knew what I was doing) and asked him if I knew I hadn't hit the ball.  We both laughed, but it told me that I was doing a pretty good job of visualizing it.  By the way, last year was probably the best I've ever had, I think I took about 5 strokes off my handicap.  This summer I'm going to even do a better job of visualizing.  I really need to apply it to other areas of my life too.