An affirmation is a positive statement used to reprogram your subconscious, a statement when said to your self, over and over, and with feeling, will influence internal forces and manifest change in your life.

Affirmations are based on the following principles:

1. Your present reality is a direct result of your thinking
2. Change your thinking, and your reality changes
3. Affirmations change your thinking

But a word of caution is in order. Tony Robbins, world renowned expert on motivational thinking, said it best...

"By repeating an affirmation over and over again, it becomes embedded in the subconscious mind, and eventually becomes your reality. That is why you need to be careful what you think and believe, because that is exactly what you will get!"

Affirmations have long been recognized as a powerful tool in manifesting desires. That's because the subconscious mind cannot differentiate between actual reality and suggestions. Therefore, it processes suggestions (or affirmations) as being real -- and goes about using its powerful creative ability -- and that of the nervous system -- to actualize those affirmations.

For this reason, people from all walks of life -- from athletic coaches, to sales professionals, to religious leaders, and peak performance experts promote the practice of affirmations.

Knowing and then exploiting your opponent’s mental flaws is extremely important in the battle of wits on a tennis court. While it’s easy to know if your opponent’s forehand or backhand is better, it requires a little extra sensitivity and insight to analyze both yours and their mental state for flaws. This awareness is the first step in gaining a huge mental advantage, in using your strength and how to exploit the weaknesses of your opponent's.