Doesn’t it always seem much easier to see and solve someone else’s problems than your own? You can recognize when your sister is getting all worked up over nothing, or that losing sleep over a meeting isn’t going to help. However, when it is your mind dealing with negative thoughts, it’s a lot tougher to see and stop. When you decide you want to be more positive, you need to become more conscious of what you are thinking. When you can step back and analyze things as an observer, you will see a shift in your focus, and you’ll be more mindful of how you are looking at the situation.
Being able to focus more on positive thoughts will make you happier and more optimistic about your life. This will allow you to experience more joy and well-being.
This is where visualization comes in, which is nothing more than a technique for creating a mental image of a future event. When we visualize that which we desire, we start to see the possibility of achieving it. It is through visualization that we can catch a glimpse of what is our “preferred future.” When this happens, we find the motivation and prepare ourselves to pursue our goal.
Why Visualization Works
According to research, visualization works because the neurons in our brains, interpret the imagery as equivalent to real-life action. When we can visualize an act, the brain generates an impulse that tells the neurons to perform the movement. This then creates a new neural pathway that helps prime the body to act in a way that is consistent with what we just imagined. All of this happens without actually performing the activity physically, yet it achieves a similar result.
Putting it All Together
Visualization will keep you tethered to your goals and increase your chances of accomplishing them. It doesn’t matter who you are, the power of visualization is available to everyone.
There are two kinds of visualization techniques. While each serves a distinct purpose, they should be used together to have the most significant effect. The first method is outcome visualization, which involves you envisioning achieving your goals. To do this, you need to create a detailed mental image of the desired outcome. The second visualization technique is called process visualization. This involves envisioning every action required to achieve the result you want. To do this, you need to focus on completing each of the steps you need to accomplish your goals, but not on the overall purpose itself.
Visualization does not guarantee success, and it doesn’t replace hard work and practice. However, when combined with diligent effort, it is a powerful way to achieve positive, behavioral change and create the life you desire.
