Yesterday I briefly mentioned the practice of visualization when discussing my rowing workout, and imagining how I wanted to feel when I was done. That simple exercise provided an extra kick of motivation during the toughest part of the row, where my heart was pounding out of my chest. This is just a small example of what visualization can do for you, but there’s so much more you should be curious about…there’s a reason why top athletes, entrepreneurs, executives, and many highly successful people from all walks of life employ this powerful practice.
So what is visualization, exactly? In the simplest terms it means to picture in your mind the things you want in life. Our brains literally think in pictures, not words. For example, if I asked you to picture a pet, you’re most likely visualizing YOUR pet, if you have one, or perhaps the neighbor’s dog, or a relative’s cat or bird or snake or lizard (in the case of two of my fabulously unique nephews…and both of those last two pets, Loki & Pastel- live in the same house- yikes! But great names for a snake and chameleon, don’t you think?). You definitely are NOT picturing the word P-E-T in letter-form. Our brains just don’t work like that.
You’ve likely heard the now-famous story of Jim Carrey, who, when he first arrived in Hollywood in 1985, then an unknown actor, wrote himself a check for $10 million for ‘acting services rendered’ and dated the check for 10 years in the future. He kept this check in his wallet, and would regularly take time to look at it and visualized himself snagging an acting role that would earn him this same sum. Not coincidentally, in 1995, Carrey indeed earned $10 for the film, ‘Dumb & Dumber’.
Here’s another example. Air Force Colonel George Hall was locked in a Vietnamese prison for 7 years. Prior to being captured, Hall was a scratch golfer, and captain of the U. S. Naval Academy Golf Team. During his capture, Hall went to his ‘happy place’, mentally picturing every element of his golf game, from his tee shot, to the approach, to the putt, and various other aspects of the game. He would visualize the improvement in his swing, and the accuracy of his shots, as he mentally reduced his scores over and over again as a result of the progress in his skills. When Hall was released from prison, 7 years later, he was 100 lbs. lighter than before his capture. One of the very first things he wanted to do was to play a real round of golf, and was invited to participate in the Greater New Orleans Open, where he shot an astounding 76!
Skeptical? Understandable. Yet there is science behind this practice.
According to betterhelp.com, “the actual science behind visualization relates to the neural patterns of your brain. As you continue to think and visualize the things you want in your life, you create neural patterns the same way as if you had actually done that activity.”
It’s not woo-hoo, it’s science, and it works!
Curious? Perhaps you want to:
- Overcome your terror of public speaking
- Find creative solutions to the obstacles in your business
- Get into the best shape of your life
- Start your own business
- Get that promotion you’ve been eyeing
- Develop the courage to distance yourself from toxic relationships
- Find the great love of your life
- Write your first book
- Discover your purpose and passion
- Overcome anxiety and fearWhat have you got to lose by at least trying this exercise? Perhaps nothing but your doubt, and your upside is substantial.
- Create balance in your life
Visualization can help! What have you got to lose by at least trying this exercise? Perhaps nothing but your doubt, and your upside is substantial.
So how do you get started with your own practice of Visualization? Here are 5 tips:
- Find a quiet, calm place to begin where you won’t be interrupted.
- Write down what it is you want to create or accomplish. Be VERY specific. The more detailed the picture, the clearer the image will be in your brain- remember, it thinks in pictures, so make the snapshot crystal clear. Using the public speaking fear, for example: Imagine the environment where you will be speaking, be it live or zoom. What does the room look like? How many people are there? Do you know some of them? Picture their faces. Are they sitting or standing? What is the room configuration like? Tables? Classroom? U-shape? Imagine the reaction you’d like to see from various parts of your speech. Are they laughing (intentionally?), smiling, concerned, contemplative, crying? Picture yourself delivering the speech- confident stance/body positioning, eye contact/sweeping the room/pinpointed at times, tone of voice, facial expressions, voice projection, effective movement on the stage/screen, hand gestures, etc. Visualize every part of the process, from introduction to conclusion, then imagine the ultimate reaction you want the audience to have. Vivid, specific detail. You will find yourself continuing to fine-tune these details as you go through the process.
- Repeat this process over and over again, ideally right before you go to bed, so that your brain has one final picture to contemplate while you sleep. In the speech example, you must literally practice the speech itself, out loud, ideally in front of a mirror, continually fine tuning your delivery. It’s the famous quote: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice.”
- As you are practicing your visualization, make a note of how you are feeling during the exercise. Science has shown that the more acute the feeling, the more imprinted the memory will be on your nervous system (remember Colonel Hall’s golf example).
- Supplement your visualization with ‘I AM’ statements, such as, “I am a great speaker who will deliver a terrific presentation that the audience will love. I am confident in my skills…”…something to that effect. I AM statements are present-tense, which also sends a powerful message to your subconscious that you already ARE what you say you are. There’s an entire physiological process that happens with I AM statements that I’ll explain at a later time, but suffice it to say that you are programming your brain and body for the outcome you desire.
There is a reason why so many highly successful people use the art and practice of Visualization- because IT WORKS. Isn’t it time your name was added to that successful list?
If you’d like support to begin your practice of Visualization, or with any area of your life and want to work directly with me, click the button below to get started.
