Ilchi Lee

We have all heard it at some point in our lives, “practice, practice, practice…practice makes perfect.” The question is: what are we practicing, and how are we practicing?

Research suggests that if you can read up on and mentally train for your game for 20 to 30 minutes a day, three or more times a week, you will have a one up on those who only practice the physical game.

According to Gabriela Cora, president of the Executive Health & Wealth Institute in Miami Shores, Florida, "The more that you maintain your brain activity, the easier it's going to be to be in better shape."

Mental training helps you play better under pressure, read and predict your opponent’s moves, concentrate better and make you more confident in your performance.

A book written by Olympic Champion Lanny Bassham, “With Winning in Mind,” discusses mental conditioning. Bassham suggests that mental reinforcement—the more you think, write and talk about something—the more likely your brain’s subconscious is figuring out ways to make it happen.

Mental visualization is another great technique for training. The same parts of your brain become active when you imagine yourself doing something as when you actually do it. So if you want to be successful, picture yourself doing something successful. It’s the best preparation for developing a winning attitude—and mind.