Using Visualizations.

Sometimes when you are overwhelmed with negative and/or fearful thoughts you can use visualizations to tie in all of the above skills that you have just learned.

Visualization is a skill that most highly competitive athletes use when preparing for competition. It too requires some practice but can have a huge impact and success.

Here's an example:

1. Notice the fearful thought. Invite it in.
2. Begin your breathing to settle any physical response to the anxiety that may begin experiencing.
3. When the what if thinking begins – answer it – what would you do if the IF happened. Make a plan.
4. Notice how you had some solutions or ideas?
5. Use the thought stopping technique to erase or end the negative thought.
6. Replace the fearful thought with a positive one (one that is true and that you can believe)
7. Continue your deep breathing and let the fear pass.
8. See it all happen in your head.
9. Visualize yourself managing your anxiety! See it happen in your head first and then apply it in the world.
10. You did it! Celebrate your victory.

One of the key ideas with visualization is to not only “see” yourself having success with anxiety but to also feel the feelings that come when we are in control, happy and successful. Remember to experience the feelings now – even if success is yet to come! Don’t wait.