A few weeks ago, I had a birthday. It was not a “BIG” birthday but, if we have learned nothing else during the pandemic or from the war that is happening in the Ukraine, the simple yearly blessing of having a healthy birthday is a joy that should for sure be celebrated. Don’t worry, you didn’t miss a big party- I celebrated in a quiet way and I was SO happy about my day! I am not going to tell you what I wished for as I blew out my candles (I am superstitious and want my wish to come true), but I will share that I always take this time to reflect on the past year and I like to visualize (in order to make it happen) what I want the coming year to look like. This has been one hell of a crazy ride and while there is light at the far end of the tunnel, we still have a way to go.
Do you know what visualization is? It is the practice of imagining what you want to achieve in the future. It involves using all five senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. The process of visualizing directs your subconscious to be aware of the end goal that you have in mind. If you picture what you want to happen rather than what you don’t want to happen, you can make it happen. I have a painting in my home that says “DO SOMETHING”. This process of “doing” is about good strong energy that is goal oriented and action driven and takes quite a bit of focus. Ever get stuck in your own way? Yep, me too. So I pause for a moment in order to move the mental clutter that gets in my way. And then I can move forward. Many of us use visualization but like most things in life, it needs to be taught, learned and practiced. And the best part about this is that it can be used in many areas of your life. And it’s not just for athletes, actors and business moguls. It is for the “average joe” too!
Here are a few steps to help you to start visualizing your goals:
Choose a quiet environment to start your practice of visualizing
Decide what you want.
Picture the scene.
Write down a sentence that helps you to focus on your goal.
Find an image that you can hold in your mind of what you want.
Imagine each step toward your successful conclusion.
Visualize daily.
I believe that this mental practice can help you get you to where you want to go. Seeing is believing! Make it real. And celebrate what you CAN do!