The Power of VIsion Boards

Our first team meeting was more than impressive; it was almost surreal. Over the summer I had requested the players to make vision boards which would include pictures, phrases and words of what they wanted to accomplish this season. The boards are to remain on the wall near their beds or on their ceilings or some place where they can see them on a daily basis. The purpose of the vision boards are to assist them in visualizing their dreams.

During the first meeting, each player got up in front of the team to display her vision board and to explain what the board meant to her. It was immediately clear the players took the homework assignment seriously. They had cut out photos of championship trophies, teams celebrating, nets being cut down and UC teammates celebrating the conference championship two years ago. The boards reflected not only a vision but a feeling. I could almost feel each player's dream as she held up her board.

In order to reach our goals, our players must feel and visualize their dreams making them as real as possible. Faith is just that--acting on something as if it has already occurred. It is faith in our future which we are visualizing and feeling.

The ability to visualize and feel with intense emotion an event which has not yet occurred is a precursor to success. If our players will feel as if they can accomplish a championship, then they are very close to achieving one. If they cannot get that feeling in their heads, then we have no chance of success.

Acting upon an event as if it has already occurred changes everything. The players work harder. They believe. They push. They encourage. They desire. If they know they can, then they train as if they can. Practices become a quest rather than a drudgery.

I am a believer in the power of dreams and I see that power in each player as she gains strength in the dream of the team.

It is early but I feel the heartbeat of this team and it is a strong one.

ONE HEART. ONE DREAM.