The Power of Visualization

We have all heard of the tremendous power of visualization - the process of creating a mental picture of what you want as a means of acquiring or achieving something you desire. While it may seem like a lot of metaphysical mumbo-jumbo, I would challenge you to reflect on the goals in your life that you have realized and conclude that visualization was not an important part of the process.

I have tried it and it works. I harbored a secret ambition for about thirty years - what it is doesn't matter. Recently, someone I know casually mentioned that his wife had the same ambition, and for the first time in my life, I confessed to wanting to achieve the exact same goal. Within a few weeks, I was presented with the opportunity to reach that goal, albeit indirectly. A couple more weeks, and I had taken all the necessary actions to get what I had wanted for so long. Now, I'm not going to tell you that I have reached the apex of my vision; in fact, it was a small victory. I firmly believe, however, that simply verbalizing my secret ambition put me on the path to the realization of my goal. The trick now is to continue on that path until my grand vision is a reality.

We've all done it in the past - think back to something good in your life that you worked for and achieved and you will undoubtedly recall having had a strong mental image of the outcome that served as inspiration and motivation.

I grew up knowing that someday I would graduate from college. I didn't just want it, or dream about it, I simply assumed it would happen. As is so often the case, life got in the way and I kept putting it off until one day I realized that if I didn't do it, I couldn't expect my own daughter to have any incentive to get a college education.

Anyone that has attended school while working a full time job understands the sacrifices that must made to get a degree under these circumstances. My social life went to zero, and I put a large part of my life on hold in an effort to prove to myself (and my daughter) that I could and would do it. I visualized standing on the stage in my cap and gown, with my family and friends looking on. It worked - not only did I graduate, but also my daughter went on to graduate from a very prestigious private university - best of all, she paid for it herself!

Create a strong mental image and bring it to mind several times a day. As part of my personal development program, I have documented what my goals are. I have them stored on my computer, and have a program that causes it to pop up three times a day. At first, I was just reading them, but an odd thing started to happen after about a week. As I read them, I unconsciously brought up the visual image I had created. In my mind's eye, I actually see the ultimate outcome of goals I have set for myself.

To my mind, the three vital aspects cannot be overlooked in order to make this process work are:

Visualize. Picture the end result of having reached your goal, whether it is a tangible object or an intangible objective. View these pictures often.

Verbalize. Say it out loud, even if only to yourself. This will make the goal more real to both your conscious and subconscious mind.

Share. If your family and friends aren't particularly supportive, find people who are. The internet abounds with forums where you can find positive input from people who are of like mind - and they are quite often able to provide tips and advice to make the road a little easier to traverse.

Even if you are skeptical about this method being effective, you should give it a whirl - I guarantee you that nothing bad will come of it, and the potential for astounding things to happen is absolutely mind-boggling.