Visualization

I believe that visualization can be used as an effective tool to help you take relevant and aligned action with your goals.

However, visualization needs to be focused on the action rather than the thoughts or the feelings that arise in any particular situation.

The problem is that most visualization techniques focus on visualizing a state of consciousness such as being relaxed, calm, serene or in control of feelings and thoughts.

This only serves to set one up for disappointment and possibly failure because we are not in control of our thoughts or feelings. These are transient, forever changing from one moment to the next. We do have a degree of influence over our thoughts and feelings, but never 100% control, 100% of the time. And this is the trap we fall into when it comes to visualization.

No matter how much visualization we do, when it comes to pressurized situations, there's still the propensity to feel anxious, nervous or overwhelmed. This is part of being human.

What we do have control over however is our attitude. In other words we have control over how we relate to our thoughts and feelings. Using our observing mind we can come to accept our negative emotions for what they are, allow them to pass and then take effective action.

When it comes to visualization though, action is the key word! Visualize your behavior and what it is you need to communicate or do to accomplish your goal, regardless of your thoughts or feelings. This won't necessarily guarantee your success, but it will help pave the way for you to take effective action aligned with your values, making the likelihood of success more real.