EP 17 Applying Performance Enhancement Imagery in Policing and Life with Brian Willis

Law enforcement officers know that their mental toughness is of critical importance on the job. The ability to remain focussed and maintain emotional regulation, to overcome adversity and conflict, and even injury and pain, in order to professionally and effectively manage situations is extremely important. But how do we understand effective ways in which to intentionally and strategically incorporate mental imagery into the law enforcement training paradigm? In this interview, the third in our series on the use of mental imagery in training, Brian Willis from Winning Mind Training will talk about his extensive experience in over 33 years of law enforcement training, in using performance enhancement imagery in law enforcement training, as well as in other domains such has elite level athletic performance, overcoming anxiety, and recovery from serious injury and illness. Topics covered in this interview include what imagery is, how it is different from ‘visualization’, the use of imagery to enhance physical performance as well as mental cognitive skills, the different types of imagery and where and when to use them, how to use language effectively in imagery,  and keys to using imagery to enhance learning and make it ‘stick. In addition, Brian will discuss lessons learned from years of using and reforming performance enhancement imagery as a method of effecting powerful change in officers and athletes performance.