Sep 29, 2025

Achieving athletic success through manifestation and motivational psychology

"I can do it!" – this phrase often marks the beginning of more than just a good feeling. Whether it's scoring a decisive goal, trying a new sport, or achieving your next training goal: sports legends like Novak Djokovic, Michael Phelps, and Tiger Woods consciously and systematically use affirmations, manifestation, and visualization, confirming these sports psychology methods as genuine success factors. What initially sounds like wishful thinking has long been proven by neuroscience. We'll reveal the mechanisms behind these positive beliefs and how you can use them to achieve your athletic goals.

More than just training motivation: What neuroscience says

Positive thinking and encouraging self-talk – what sounds like wishful thinking can demonstrably help you achieve your goals. Because: Mental motivation works in the brain – and in training. In modern sports psychology, the various self-motivation techniques are therefore among the most valuable success factors. Through targeted mindset training, you not only improve your focus and perseverance, but also activate processes that measurably increase your performance. This is what happens in the brain when you manifest and visualize:

The reticular activating system (RAS): This "filter" in the brainstem determines which environmental stimuli you actually perceive. When someone is focused on a goal (such as a new personal best), they train their RAS to perceive relevant signals in their environment more intensely. For example, a coach's words might suddenly stick in your mind if they relate to the current challenge. This means your attention follows your objective, allowing you to recognize suitable opportunities and solutions more quickly.
Neuroplasticity as the driving force of development: Your brain is constantly renewing itself. Positive thoughts, repeated affirmations, and concrete visualizations strengthen neural connections. This is how vague desires become clear impulses for action. Studies show that athletes who regularly train their future vision are more likely to adhere to their beliefs and routines in the long term.
Imagination versus reality: Functional imaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging) visualizes brain activity. Specific studies have shown that the brain doesn't distinguish between imagination and reality. Whether we actually run a sprint or simply mentally rehearse it step by step, the brain activates the same networks for movement control. Therefore, visualization can improve perception, coordination, and the sense of movement, even during training breaks.

The conclusion: Those who consciously control their thoughts can actively influence their athletic development, regeneration , and even their self-image.

Manifest, affirm, visualize: Successes that begin in the mind

For some it's a new workout outfit, for others a kind of mantra before the next challenge – you've probably consciously or subconsciously used the psychology of motivation yourself at some point. However, in the research and practice of sports psychology, these goal-achievement techniques go far beyond classical motivation. Three key concepts and methods are manifestation, affirmation, and visualization:

Proper manifestation for greater success in sports

Manifestation means mentally anchoring one's goal as often and intensely as possible until both mind and body are strongly aligned with achieving that goal. This happens on several levels:

Focused attention leads to obstacles being recognized early and solutions being found quickly.
Automatic impulses to act – such as spontaneously adjusting one's training routine – occur more frequently in people who have a clear and committed vision of their goal.

In elite sports, this often works as follows: The idea of reaching a certain performance level becomes the basic assumption. Anything that doesn't fit this image is filtered out or heavily devalued by the RAS (Realistic Assault Spectrum).

Positive affirmations as part of sports psychology

Affirmations are clearly formulated, positive guiding principles or beliefs for one's own path. They provide orientation and have been proven to strengthen motivation and self-confidence . Affirmations bring inner conviction to where it is needed – to the threshold of motivation and consistent implementation in training and competitions. Scientific studies show that positive self-talk activates brain areas (the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) that are closely linked to self-esteem and reward. This, in turn, makes us more willing to take risks, more resilient, and more consistent. The best affirmations are:

Short, precise and realistic
Put positively
Spoken (or thought) in the present tense

When combined with visualizations, they enhance their effect.

Visualization as an interface between thought and action

Visualization involves "playing through" desired states, movement sequences, and even successes with all the senses. Research with elite athletes shows that the more senses are involved—feeling the sprint track, hearing the starting gun, experiencing the finish line—the more deeply these images are etched in memory and unconsciously influence all subsequent decisions. Therefore, vividly imagining a scenario is not a substitute for training, but rather a form of consistent preparation and motivation that facilitates goal achievement.

A woman in orange sportswear sits cross-legged while stretching, her gaze raised to the open sky.

The mind is involved: Manifestation can help you achieve your goals.

Practical implementation: Motivation and manifestation of success in sports

Want to give it a try? There are various approaches and guides that can help you manifest, affirm, and visualize. They consist of formulas and routines to deeply anchor your paths and goals—this is essential for your success. Here's how:

Step 1: Define your goal crystal clear – a good goal is measurable, achievable, and motivating. Obscuring or vaguely stating your goal ("I want to improve a little") only weakly activates the RAS. Formulate it something like this:

"I can run a half marathon in under two hours."
"I improved my personal best in bench pressing within eight weeks."

Step 2: Visualize the situation in detail – successful visualization incorporates image, feeling, sound, and even taste:

Go through the race route before the day of the competition (in reality or in your mind), paying attention to the weather, the procedures, your own starting process and every gesture.
Imagine difficult moments too, so you can mentally prepare the solutions in advance.

Step 3: Develop and anchor individual affirmations – Affirmations work best when they are formulated positively, in the present tense, and realistically. For example, like this:

"I consistently strengthen my body with every workout."
"I enjoy the challenge and grow from it."
"I know my plan and I am working on it with focus."

Such sentences have their greatest impact when they are firmly integrated into routines:

During the warm-up before every training session.
Use directly before intervals or longer periods of exertion for targeted focus.
In retrospect, to raise awareness of positive change and progress.

The WOOP method: a scientifically proven mental tool

Modern sports psychology views goal orientation as an active process of shaping goals. A well-known and scientifically proven approach to manifesting this goal is the WOOP method (Wish – Outcome – Obstacle – Plan):

Wish (goal): Define a goal – not abstractly, but concretely.
Outcome: Visualize the achievement of the goal in an intensive and realistic way.
Obstacle: Identify internal and external obstacles.
Plan: Make concrete if-then plans. "If I notice at kilometer 15 that I'm slowing down, then I'll remember my last successful finish."

Those who mentally prepare for obstacles and solutions act more resiliently and creatively in stressful situations.

Success in manifesting: Find your path with Dextro Energy*

Whether using the WOOP method, tips and exercises from the internet, or your own personal routine – find a way that helps you focus and activate your mental power. The following ideas may be helpful:

Journaling: Write down daily goals, progress and personal affirmations and reflect on them regularly.
The 369 method: Write down your goal or affirmation 3 times in the morning, 6 times at midday, and 9 times in the evening – for sustainable anchoring in your mind.
Meditation and breathing exercises: Especially when combined with targeted affirmations, they enhance the effect and help you to maintain control even during stressful periods.

For manifestation and other goals, you need plenty of energy and focus. Dextro Energy* supports you during your routines and preparation, as well as during and after athletic challenges. Our dextrose cubes and energy tablets* contain carbohydrates that are readily available to your body. We've also combined some flavors with minerals and vitamins. Our Focus Shot° combines a delicious fruity taste with vitamin B12, magnesium, and natural caffeine. Discover your new favorite product from our motivation or focus range now. And Dextro Energy* is also by your side during training and throughout your entire workout routine: for example, with our vegan energy gummies* containing carbohydrates, selected minerals, or caffeine – these fruit gummies fit in any pocket.

Just get started: Use the psychology of motivation in your everyday life

Yes, it sounds like a lot of effort – but mental strength can be trained. The flow comes naturally once you've found your path. And this isn't just true for your sport: manifestation, visualization, and positive affirmations can strengthen your self-love and self-confidence so much that you'll find life easier in many different areas. Start small now, celebrate every step forward, and discover just how powerful your mind truly is.

* Contains carbohydrates

° In the Focus Shot: Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function and to the normal function of the immune system.

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.