Using Visualization to Achieve Your Goals

Success begins with a goal. Regardless of whether your goals are big or small, they will give you some purpose and keep you headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, many of us remain stuck at the goal stage. We start with good intentions, but we can't seem to make it happen. These are some common obstacles: struggling to get started, staying focused on the goal, overcoming setbacks, and recognizing progress. Before we can believe in a goal that we've set for ourselves, we first need to have a good idea of what the goal looks like.

Seeing is Believing

This is where visualization comes in. Visualization is a technique for creating a mental image of a future event. It is training your mind to focus. When we visualize what we desire, we start to see the possibility of achieving it. It is through visualization that we can catch a glimpse of what our preferred future looks like. 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 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 performing the activity physically, yet it achieves a similar result.

When you spend time visualizing your goals, you are motivating yourself to achieve them. The more you visualize something, the more you will believe it is possible. This allows you to see opportunities that will help you make it happen.

Putting it All Together

Visualization will keep you connected to your goals and increase your chances of accomplishing them. We often hear of elite athletes using visualization as they seek to improve their performance. 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 greatest impact. 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.

These are some steps that you can follow if you want to try visualization:

✅ Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted.

✅ Close your eyes, take several deep breaths, and relax.

✅ Think about the outcome that you want. Get a clear picture of it, thinking about the details. What does success look like? What does success feel like?

✅ Practice this for 5-10 minutes at least once a day.

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.

Resources:

The Visualization Definition and How it Transforms Your Life by the Better Help Editorial Team. www.betterhelp.com/advice/visualization July 11, 2022