Visualizing my national - woo-woo edition.

With my national specialty just weeks away, I've added something extra to my daily mindset routine—something I don't always talk about but something I fully believe in.

Visualization.

Yep, we're going there.

Right now, I'm working up to 11 minutes a day of focused meditation and visualization. I set a timer, close my eyes, and begin to walk through every day of the event - from how I'll feel waking up, to where my dogs will be crated, to the vibe on the grounds, to each of the 23 classes I've entered (no, that's not a typo). I also visualize the day I'm judging and how I want to show up in that role. It's not just about outcomes - it's about process goals, energy, presence, calm, confidence, and time with friends.

Because here's what I know: When we give our brain a blueprint, it will work to make it real.

Last year, I used this same approach, and one of the images I kept returning to was someone congratulating me outside the main arena (not a specific person, just a person). I visualized it down to where I was walking and that I had a dog with me. And guess what? It happened exactly like that. I remember smiling and quietly thinking, "I made this."

Visualization is more than woo. It's about mental rehearsal. Olympic athletes do this. Neuroscience backs it up. The mind doesn't fully distinguish between what's imagined and what's real - so when you visualize with clarity and intention, you're literally wiring your brain to respond as if it's already happened.

I believe this is critical to building a well-rounded competitive mindset for dog sports. And when you combine visualization with intention and belief - what some call the Law of Assumption or the Law of Attraction - you're not just preparing. You're attracting. You're embodying. You're aligning your thoughts and actions with the version of yourself you're becoming.

To be clear, this isn't about magical thinking. This is about being deliberate with our mindset. Choosing our focus. Owning the vibe we want to carry into the ring.

You can visualize the judge smiling. You can visualize your dog locking in with you at the start line. You can even visualize handling your nerves like a pro and walking out of the ring proud, regardless of the Q.

And yes - you can visualize the congratulatory moment too.

Whether you call it energy, intention, focus, or manifestation - it all serves the same purpose: helping you show up as the handler you want to be.

If you've never tried visualization before, start small. Set a timer for 2–3 minutes. Picture the beginning of a run, or your favorite venue, or even just how you want to feel standing at the start line. Let it build.

This is the deeper mindset work most dog handlers never do - but it's also the work that elevates you to the next level.

If you're ready to dig deeper into creating a powerful mindset that supports your goals in and out of the ring, come check out the Q-Membership, where we blend mindset, training, strategy, and yes - a little woo, too.

Because your best season starts in your mind.