Sports: Psychology: Mental Training - Train Your Brain

Mental training tips from an elite triathlon:

• Have a mantra and/or a special song to repeat 
• Keep a bank of positive mental images
• Practice visualization beforehand
• Break the race up into smaller, more manageable segments
• Remember that training is about learning to hurt
• Get people to support you
• Mentally recall inspirational people 
• Consider racing for a cause that is bigger than yourself      

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CNN - Chrissie Wellington 

Psychology: Changing Your Outlook on Things - The Happiness Advantage

"Your brain operates significantly better at positive than it does at negative, neutral, or stressed...your brain is 31% more productive at positive than it is at negative, neutral, or stressed."  To become more positive, try  "...reverse the formula" for happiness, and "...become positive in the present." 

Try this exercise to become more positive. "Write down 3 new things (your are grateful for) a day for 21 days in row."  Also, include "random acts of kindness..." and positive praise to others via "e-mails" or other forms of communication.  

"In a 2 minute span of time for 21 days in a row" your brain may rewire itself "to operate more optimistically..." and "scan the world for the positive and not the negative."

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TEDTALKS - Shawn Achor