Stephen Nedoroscik, a Team USA pommel horse specialist, employed visualization to secure an Olympic bronze medal.

Stephen Nedoroscik, a Team USA pommel horse specialist, employed visualization to secure an Olympic bronze medal.
Stephen Nedoroscik, a Team USA pommel horse specialist, employed visualization to secure an Olympic bronze medal.

During the USA Men's Gymnastics' first Olympic medal since 2008, cameras captured Stephen Nedoroscik appearing to nap on the sidelines before his pommel horse routine.

The American, 25 years old, was brought to Paris as a specialist in pommel horses. Although his country's hopes rested on him, he remained focused and visualized his next move while his eyes were closed.

"I often visualize to fill empty spaces," Nedoroscik admitted to the Washington Post. "Sometimes I worry if I do it too much, but I don't know what else to do with the time."

The Penn State graduate had visualized his routine over 100 times, and by the time it was his turn, he didn't need glasses.

"He stated that he relies more on feeling than sight when using a pommel horse, as he sees with his hands."

Visualization can aid individuals in achieving their goals, as previously stated by neuroscientist and executive coach Tara Swart in a CNBC Make It interview.

In 2019, Swart stated that many high-powered executives keep action or vision boards at home or on their computers, despite the common belief that they don't need such tools.

Visualizing a strongly imagined vision can be as effective as experiencing it, according to her. It's crucial to imagine what it feels like to have already achieved your goals, rather than seeing them as something to be accomplished.

Place your vision board in a location where you can easily view it, such as near your bed or in your closet, to motivate yourself to make decisions and take actions towards achieving your goals.

Focusing on your goals can reduce stress when taking action to achieve them.

"Waiting for your ideal life to magically change is not enough," she emphasized. "You must actively work towards it."

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by Nicolas Vega

Make It