Visualization

You must always expect success. If you expect success, you get success. Remember, you are in control -- no one else is in control of your life. See yourself as a winner. Dream of winning. Talk about winning and always expect to win.

When I first entered the realm of serious bodybuilding, I visualized myself as "Mr. Michigan". In my quiet moments, I would say out loud, "Tom Platz - Mr. Michigan". Over my bathroom mirror, I had a note that said, "You are looking at the future Mr. Michigan -- and the Universe". Oddly enough, I felt this visualization actually produced a mental stress on my muscles that caused them to respond as dramatically as physical exercise.

You may have heard me comment that muscle growth begins in the mind. I absolutely believe that is true. I visualized myself walking on stage . . . hearing the roar of the crowd . . . smelling the sweat from the lights gleaming down on my body . . . I could already taste the victory cake in my mouth!