Visualization for Success Athletes do it. Entertainers like Oprah Winfrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Carrey swear by it. It goes by many titles-the law of attraction, affirmation or creative imagery to name a few. No matter what you call it, the practice of visualization has long been recognized as an effective tool for those looking to gain success in their personal and professional lives. But what is it? And how can this power be harnessed for everyday living? Tapping into the Mind’s Power of Manifestation Simply put, creative visualization is the act of controlling one’s outward circumstances by changing one’s thoughts. Although this practice has been highlighted in popular culture in recent decades with the publications such as The Secret, the belief that one’s mind can manifest positive results have long been recognized. Biblical text, such as Habakkuk 2:2, discussed the need for one to plainly write down their thoughts in order for the vision to be recognized. And it has been said that Ben Franklin would schedule time daily to visualize answers to some of his most complex issues, with the resulting solutions being the basis of some of his iconic inventions. Scientists believe that this process works because of how the mind perceives reality is surprisingly similar to our imaginary lives. So, no matter if we hike the trail in real life or only in our minds, we activate many of the same neural networks in undertaking that activity. Therefore, it is possible through repeated mental rehearsing to feel the same emotions and have the same physical responses if we actually did it. Over time, it’s possible to use this same ability to control the situation and draw the wanted outcome to us. This is why athletes frequently utilize this technique to master their sport. In fact, one recent study in the North American Journal of Psychology noted that athletes who mentally rehearsed a hip-flexor move had almost as much strength gain as those who physically completed the exercise. The mind’s power was enough to almost match the actual workout. Visualization not only actives the brain and trains the body. It also has a significant effect on drawing the resources to you to help you achieve those goals. By activating the mental capability to inspire confidence, you will be given the opportunity to pursue those who can ultimately guide you to success. Putting Visualization into Practice When trying this powerful technique, it’s important to follow these steps in order to get the most out of the practice. 1. Be sure to use all of your senses: It’s important to be fully engrossed in your mental image in order to harness the mind’s full potential. For example, if you see yourself winning a race-see yourself not only crossing the finishing line but hearing the approving roar of the crowd. Smell the rose bouquet that they give you along with the medal. You have to truly embrace all of the vision on a sensory level in order to master this step. 2. Be the star of this vision: You can’t be witnessing this from the sidelines! You have to be fully engaged in your success to experience it. 3. Practice makes perfect: It’s not enough to visualize success one time. Consider this to a daily practice. Set aside time each morning upon waking to affirm your success. Making it a habit will activate the brain’s neurons and set you up to engage those who will set you on your path. 4. Write down your vision: As a struggling comic during the early 90’s, Jim Carrey once famously wrote himself a check for 10 million dollars to be cashed on Thanksgiving 1995. Years later, he would receive that amount for his work in Dumb and Dumber. The simple act of writing down your vision gives you something to work towards-serving as a constant reminder for stick to your mental rehearsals for success.
Posted on: Thu, 29 May 2014 18:38:21 +0000
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