The Power Of Visualization

Hi Everyone,

It has taken me over two weeks to think of a topic to write about. This one came out of no where and hit me like a thunder bolt and there is nothing more important for an athlete than the power of Visualization.

Who watched the 2009 Mr. Olympia Finals? I was on the edge of my seat the whole way though the show. I wanted to touch on what Jay Cutler said after he won his third Mr. Olympia title. He said something along the lines of...for a whole year, I prayed and visualized me standing here being announced the Mr Olympia....

This really gets you thinking on how powerful your thoughts can be. Doesn't it?

Believe it or not this worked for me also when I turned Pro in 2006. I visualized in the morning when I woke up and before I went to bed on being British Champion. I visualized my name being announced by the head judge as the new Heavyweight and Overall British Champion. Each time I visualized this outcome it became clearer and I could feel the emotions. So does this stuff really work?.....you bet it works! Look at all top sports men and women, they all do this before any event they participate in. For example, most track and field athletes play the race over in there mind even before they step on the track. This is true of other sports too.

On a personal note I am pleased to announce that I am working with my long time friend Harold Charles Marillier again. Harold knows my body inside and out and I turned pro working with him so I am very happy with this decision. I am looking at doing four shows next year and after a year off making improvements I am excited about stepping on stage in 2010...so stayed tuned for that news.

Things That Hold You Back....Part 1

Hi everyone,

It has been a few weeks since I last posted a blog and to be honest I have been struggling in my mind about what to blog about. Finally, I was able to formulate into words something that I have given a lot of thought to lately and in the past.

I am sure everyone is familiar with two very strong and very negative emotions; Jealousy and Envy...

I will hold my hand up and say that I have gone though the sport of bodybuilding having many moments of jealousy and envy towards others.

Some of the things I would say and feel as an example are: "I am better than that person so I deserve it more than him..." or "Why does so and so get all the good luck, exposure and benefits...he is not even that good....." I think you know what I am getting at.

I have learned a lot about myself and how jealousy and envy affects me. The things I have learned are:

Jealousy is being afraid of losing something that you do not have. That tells me that it is a rather pointless emotion.

When you get like this you just keep pushing away the things you want in life.

It is important to be truly grateful (key word) for the things you have achieved in life whatever it may be. It is the gratitude that brings more good things.

It is important to be as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

That I should be focusing so much of my attention on improving myself that I have no time to be jealous or envious of others.

Jealously can be eliminated through right thinking and looking at the cause of it.

So, if you are going though the same thing as I did then I can say without doubt that your life will improve once your eliminate these negative feelings. If you see someone doing well be happy for them and know that you have the ability to achieve your goals too. Stay focused on your goals and on improving yourself because those are the only things you can control.

Have a great week! Thanks for reading! Time for my next meal!

Troy :-)