Sunday Newscape Magazine

“I Always Saw Myself on that Platform” Janet Evans (4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Author, Speaker)

Janet Evans attained what most can only dream about and she has the medals to prove it. This Olympic Superstar offered me simple advice on achieving success with a recipe that is easy to understand, but ironically, few realize its true power.

Simply put, to obtain what you want, you must first visualize yourself already there. To some, this seems impossible in a society of hurry up and go. The distractions we face today make this feat and a belief in daydreaming a thought that comes, but soon leaves our minds.

Janet told me she always saw herself on that platform next to the pool. What evolved from years of visualization day in and day out became her zone of focus; which ultimately helped her achieve the highest honor for an athlete. No matter how many people watched or which competition she was in, she could go to that special place in her mind just like any other day at the pool practicing. This repetitious act took years to master and her life’s achievements are shown in many ways.

Some call visualizing daydreaming, I call it opening your mind to create anything you want in life. This type of thought process is not welcomed in this society. Most think you are dreaming something unattainable. Fact is you are designing your life!

Of course there is more to it than just sitting around thinking of a future. You have to act. Janet’s parents played a pivotal role in the process. The minute she decided that swimming was where she wanted to be they supported, encouraged, and devoted their time to her dream. No matter what day it was or how tired she felt, Janet’s parents were right there pushing her along. What Janet didn’t realize at such a young age was that her parents were helping mold her into a master. This daily ritual over time soon became a habit and Janet’s vision started to materialize.

Most would argue that Janet is a rare breed or she comes from a family of swimmers that knew all the secrets. The fact is one of her parents could not even swim. All they did was hold her accountable for her decision and the responsibilities of making one. Those basic fundamentals are not there when we are born, but  are taught to us overtime.

In this society of whiners, the majority of parents would never take on such a task. They are too busy worrying about other things and let their children bow out of something anytime they become overwhelmed. This sad process soon turns these children into professional quitters which affects them for the rest of their lives.

I’m not advocating pushing your children into something he or she doesn’t like. I’m saying watch your children to see what they do like. Every child grabs hold of an interest at an early age. Once you see it remember what they are interested in. That interest; or born skill as some would call it, is a sign of your child’s future. Every person that has become successful attributed their success to what they were interested in as a child. What we must do as parents is help them realize their interests can become their dreams.

What Janet’s parents did is something we should all learn and indoctrinate into our children’s minds. All they did was supply the basic fundamental tools that ultimately helped Janet achieve those numerous gold medals. Responsibility, dedication, and encouragement create the mindset of a winner. That powerful thought combination creates a life of focus and never ending accomplishments and is the best gift we can offer our children.

Janet’s vision of that platform is a result of a mind with never ending dreams and her parents deserve a gold medal as well!

www.janetevans.com

Speaking Engagements Contact: Premier Management Group www.pmgsports.com

(c) Jerry Maldonado all rights reserved