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suggestion to "act normal but still remain under hypnosis," you can compete in your sport, carry on a conversation, and so on without others being the wiser. Perfecting this capability takes a little extra practice, and one's first attempt sometimes betrays a lack of spontaneity and monotone-sounding speech.
    In any event, competing while in the hypnotic state has no great advantage over giving yourself autosuggestions beforehand, and during breaks and time outs. But, you wonder, how can I give myself suggestions during breaks and time outs? Obviously, quickness—developed from practice —is the key. And quickness is imperative because the rules do not permit you much time during breaks and time outs. In a tennis match, for example, you are allowed but one minute to rest and towel off between the change of sides. So, to use self-hypnosis during competition you must be able to rapidly enter the hypnotic state, give yourself suggestions, and "awaken" yourself; all this must take place in a minute or less. Once again, though, this capability is not that difficult to develop. Many athletes acquire the necessary speed after just a couple of self-hypnosis practice sessions.
    By giving yourself autosuggestions quickly, you escape attention and do not attract stares. This is an important point because most of us are self-conscious to some degree. Your opponent and the spectators really will not look at you twice as you sit on the bench during a break with your eyes closed (or however else you appear while giving yourself autosuggestions). At most they will say, "Oh, he's resting" or "He's concentrating." Even if there is an expert on self-hypnosis in the crowd, he will not know for sure what you are doing. He would have to ask you afterwards if you were using self-hypnosis or meditation during the breaks to confirm his suspicions. Despite outward appearances, you are not "resting" or merely "concentrating."
    Through self-hypnosis you are actually laying the groundwork for your victory and your opponent's downfall. Of course, your opponent does not know that. In fact, afterwards he will probably wonder what hit him, what kind of dynamo he just ran up against.
    Sometimes your opponent or the spectators will be too gregarious. During breaks you might be unable to give yourself autosuggestions because of people, or your opponent, talking to you; or, some other interruptions might arise. There is little you can do about this. Just make sure that before you arrive for the competition you have already given yourself suggestions.
    Summary of Important Points
    To become proficient in the use of self-hypnosis, and also a mentally tough athlete:
    1) Practice self-hypnosis as often as possible. Spend 2 to 10 minutes for each practice session. Attempt to acquire the instant self-hypnosis capability.
    2) Give yourself general autosuggestions ("I will play with total confidence and win!"). Do this first. Then, if necessary, you can also employ technical suggestions.
    3) Give yourself suggestions every day in the days or weeks before the competition, because reinforcement makes the suggestions more effective. Definitely give yourself suggestions on the day you compete.
    4) If the situation requires, reenter the hypnotic state and reinforce your suggestions during a break or time out. Your opponent and the spectators will simply think you are "resting" or "concentrating."
    By following these steps, you can achieve your full athletic potential. You will put pressure on your opponent. He will have to perform really well because you will not beat yourself through mental errors and "choking."
    FOOTNOTES
    1. Beth Ann Krier, "Olympians Exercising in Mind Arena," Los Angeles Times, June 7, 1983, Part I, p. 19.
    2. Steve Grimley, "Mind Games: U.S. Slow to Accept Sports Psychology," Orange County Register, April 19, 1985, Part D, p. 15.
    3. Robert A. Romanoff, "Hypnotism and State Laws," Hypnosis Quarterly, Vol. XXII, No. 3, 1979, p. 24.
    4. William J.