Sorry I could not resist that headline.

Did you happen to see the dreamy Australian Olympian, Steve Hooker, win the Gold Medal in pole vaulting?I didn't either. Below is a link for you to check out some incredible photographs of pole vaulting.This is not a sissy sport.

Apparently this Seth was throwing tantrums a few years back because he could not make himself do what he wanted to do, which was jump. He had been injured and was afraid. Who can't relate to that?

Hooker told the Australian daily, “ I was in a miserable bad mood. Your whole life, it really brings it down when it’s really what you want to do and you can’t do it just because it’s not clicking in your brain. A lot of people’s careers end with this sort of thing but I just really worked hard. I tried a million different things to try and get around it.”

What finally did it……. hypnosis. And as I read the various interviews, I was fascinated but how he repeatedly describes relaxing and being in the moment.

He says,   “One of the big changes I have made, is that I don’t think about consequences of missing or clearing. I didn’t think about the interviews I would have to do if I missed and came fifth in the Olympics, none of that stuff.”

Of his big night he says, “I was pushing too hard on the runway and I just  really needed to let it go,” he says. “My whole focus at the moment is  about relaxing. I jump much better when I relax. But I wasn’t that  relaxed at the start of the competition.”

Going from throwing tantrums to relaxing into the moment is clearly changing your mind.  We can thank Steve Hooker for giving us a great example of how it can be done.

I have successfully worked with many athletes.

My first experience  was when Alex, a dear friend of ours, asked me to help her get over her fear of high jumping.  She and my daughter braved the track field their Freshman year, and while my daughter took to the High Jump immediately, Alex was afraid, but did not want to be left behind. I worked with her for about twenty minutes.

And to her credit, not only was she jumping the next day, she went on to set the school record in High Jump as a Freshman.  This got me into a bit of trouble with my daughter, but all was forgiven when she went on to Place at state (yes, she had a little hypnotic help).

Most kids access their imagination quickly and can often make changes very quickly.

For instance,this past week I worked with an adorable young girl who was afraid to fall asleep.  EFT is a fun effective way to help kids get over fears and together we sang, "I am going to wipe (her particular scary image) right out of my head…. one.. two…… three… four.. five..and then with the flair of a girl who knew all about Hermine in Harry Potter she said, "Disappear".  Pure magic.

I can not personally speak for her method because I am asleep before I can think about it. However, when I do the little routine:sing "I am going to wipe (chosen message) out of head. One..two..three..four…five…Disappear.  My mood improves immeasurably.

And on that note, you have a fine day.

For the IAAF story on Steve Hooker Pole Vaulting and pictures:

Quote: To surrender is the most noble thing you can do. It is not an act of defeat, but rather an openness to the unknown. T.O.