Self-Image Management Is the Answer

In a revised version of Dr. Maxwell Maltz’s work PsychoCybernetics, testimonies from top athletes such as Jack Nicklaus and Payne Stewart and coaches such as Pat Riley and Phil Jackson support Maltz’s position regarding the powerful impact that self-image has on athletic performance.4 Self-image is not mental trickery; it is a scientifically proven agent of control. The self-image identifies and motivates the necessary behavior and connects it to the desired outcome. The key is to create the self-image desired—decide who you want to be and how you want to live—and then continuously tell yourself that you have what it takes to be that person. The selfimage will guide and direct actions and behaviors until the self-image becomes the reality. In the words of Maxwell Maltz, “You will act like the sort of person you conceive yourself to be. More important, you literally cannot act otherwise, in spite of all your conscious efforts or willpower. This is why trying to achieve something difficult with teeth gritted is a losing battle. Willpower is not the answer. Self-image management is.” Self-image management begins by deciding to believe in yourself and your ability to accomplish great things. ForJenny, the powerful component of self-image influenced her work ethic. Her revamped self-image helped her work through tough times. Most important, she used her identity statement to chase away her negative thoughts and self-doubt. She stopped thinking about what she couldn’t do and started thinking about what she wanted to do. She believed in herself and committed to finding a way to stop using drugs, graduate from high school, and eventually become successful as a teacher and coach. Jenny’s identity statement, “I am smart and capable. I am able to do anything when I put my mind to it,” gave her something positive to think about instead of self-doubt. It helped her call forth the courage needed to go out and lay claim to her dreams.