The Winter Olympics begin this week. The highly trained athletes who will be competing have done much more than focus on the physical training required to prepare a body for peak performance. Most have also spent a lot of time on the mental training that psychologists know is key to a good performance. For example, some visually concentrate on the experience of "breaking the wining tape" or "shooting the perfect goal" or "landing a triple jump." Mentally they "hear" the audience cheering as they visualize the straight line to their goal. With practice, their imagination becomes the foundation for their success.

Others anchor a successful experience with physical triggers like squeezing a thumb and forefinger together or making a fist when they achieve something positive. Later, when they feel down, repetition of this motion can give them a psychological boost.

Everyday athletes can also use this techniques. Picture yourself achieving whatever it is you want. Imagine how you will feel and how you will behave after you've achieved your goal . When you're feeling on top of the world create your own trigger to remind yourself of your accomplishments at another time when things don't seem to be going so well.

This week, like an athlete, use your mind to add psychological resources to your strategies for success.