Unleashing Potentials: Harnessing Self-Imagery and Self-Talk for Athletic Excellence

The study examined the contribution of self-imagery and self-talk to the performance of the athletes. It employs a phenomenological research design. The study used purposive sampling to select athletes as the primary informants and coaches for triangulation. Data were collected through In-Depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions, with thematic analysis employed to interpret the data. A total of (10) participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide specifically (5) participants for the Focus-group discussion and (5) participants for the In-depth interview were employed. The findings underscored the significant role of positive self-talk and self-imagery in enhancing athletic performance. Athletes used these methods to stay focused, handle tension, and increase confidence in crucial moments. Self-imagery aided in competition preparation, skill improvement, and visualizing success. It also showed that these psychological strategies boost motivation, focus, and performance, but their effectiveness can vary based on individual differences and training needs. Integrating these techniques into daily routines can be complex because of time constraints. Athletes can improve their performance by consistently applying these strategies for competition preparation and mental visualization of success, demonstrating the effectiveness of these psychological techniques.