When we set out to accomplish things, we do it twice - once in our imaginations followed by the actual achievement in the physical world. By consciously using visualization to practice performing tasks successfully, you can increase your chance of excelling in the physical world. The key to this approach is to set aside practice time for your imaginary performance. Then, follow your visualization with a diligent effort to duplicate in the real world what you visualized.

Here are five ways you can use your imagination to get better grades:

• Before you begin a course and often while taking it, envision yourself receiving an A. Imagine the professor or teacher catching you at the end of a class to compliment you on how well you are doing and encouraging you to keep up the great work. Imagine on another occasion seeing the instructor telling the rest of the class that one of your comments in class shows great insight or that it was an excellent one. Everyone respects your opinion and you understand the material thoroughly because you have read a lot, studied a lot and thought a lot about it. Imagine the great feeling of victory and pride that you have because you have aced this one and made it to the top!

• Before you tackle a new school assignment, dedicate a few minutes to visualizing yourself doing a fantastic job. For example, before you write a paper, imagine yourself writing a creative, well thought-out piece that will surpass your greatest expectations. If it is a reading assignment, imagine alertly reading, asking questions, and making connections with other material that you have read. Imagine yourself taking clear notes and making additional mental notes of the key points. Visualize yourself identifying items for further research and items that might need clarification. See yourself as a student-tiger willing to explore deeper and willing to work harder to gain a better understanding. Imagine the smile on your face when the assignment is completed and when you realize that you have simply out-done yourself.

• On your way to class or just before class, picture yourself sitting in class fully prepared. You have done your reading and assignments. You have worked hard and are ready to participate. See yourself raising your hand and offering insightful answers or asking great questions. See the impressed look of others in your class who realize that you understand the topic well and have really done a lot of work. See the instructor praising you. Picture the confidence that you have. Also picture yourself taking great notes and making personal notes of things to investigate to gain even more understanding. You are a star!

• When studying for a test, use your imagination to get that A. See yourself reviewing your notes, reviewing key text, asking and answering questions about the material, identifying the main points and key details that will distinguish the "pretenders" from you -- the "real deal". See yourself remembering everything and making all the right connections between various points in the material. See yourself having great insights and being very confident. There is an A out there for you and you are going to get it. When you are done with this exercise, you are ready to attack your test preparation.

• On the morning of the test, see yourself getting that A for which you just finished preparing. In your imagination, see yourself moving quickly, alertly and confidently through each part of the test. You are a tiger and nothing gets pass you. You have answers that are focused, well thought-out - even brilliant. You have surpassed even your own expectations and you leave the class with a confident smile on your face - because you know that you have knocked another one down, another A.

Remember, as you visualize, see yourself giving your maximum effort. When you imagine yourself working hard, it will become easier later to duplicate that effort in the real world.

These applications are only a few of the many uses you can make of your imagination to achieve above-average results. This skill can be used in every phase of your studies. The key is to practice the technique often and stay very positive. No matter what you think of your abilities or your chances of success, your imagination is the one place where you can be the best, the brightest, the top performer---and of course, the tiger.

Naturally, you will not realize your goal of raising your grades without backing it up with effort. To get the most from this technique you must exert massive effort to duplicate in the physical world what you just imagined. Try this technique diligently for one month. I am confident that you will notice a big improvement.