Mental Performance Daily with Brian Cain

Mental Imagery and Meditation

Nov 14, 2025
Discover the transformative power of mental imagery and meditation for athletes. Learn why visualization happens twice—first in the mind, then in reality. Brian reveals how the brain engages psychoneuromuscular pathways when imagining success. Hear how Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn used visualization to prepare for her runs. Get introduced to the BALL technique, which helps athletes breathe, affirm, and visualize their victories. Tune in for practical tips and motivation to enhance your mental performance!
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ANECDOTE

Skip Bertman's Dugout Story

  • Brian Cain recounts sitting with Skip Bertman at LSU during the field dedication weekend.
  • Bertman described writing 100 plans for the ballpark and said, "everything happens twice," stressing visualization first.
INSIGHT

Imagery Rewires The Nervous System

  • The brain treats vivid imagination like real experience through shared psychoneuromuscular pathways.
  • Mentally rehearsing success helps hardwire the nervous system to perform that success physically.
ADVICE

Use A Five-Step Visualization Routine

  • Try the 'Ball, Breathe, Affirm, Look Back, Look Forward' process to structure visualization practice.
  • Use this routine to vividly rehearse success and increase your chances of performing well.
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