I just came across this article “Seeing is believing, the power of visualization” which got me thinking about using this powerful tool for achieving some goals I have set for the medium and long term. Wikipedia describes creative visualisation as “the practice of seeking to affect the outer world via changing one’s thoughts” and talks a lot about its application to sports, but visualization can be used to enhance performance and outcomes in all arenas of life, not just sports.

I came across a lot of very (overly) new age websites on the hunt for resources that gave a good (credible..) overview of visualization.  I think it is a shame if some of this coverage of visualization has put anyone looking into it off, visualization is simple, powerful and accessible to everyone.

The simplest definition I came across was, “Visualization is a mental rehearsal of what you want to happen,” this mental rehearsal is undertaken to set the scene and make it happen for you.

If you are anything like me you want to jump straight to the how/what do I do stage, and the great thing about visualization is you can, it is simple and doesn’t require overthinking or any training (although some of the websites I mentioned above may con you into paying to learn it!)

The below on the “How to” of visualization is from the Psychology Today article, Train your attention: Two strategies to get started

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If you would like to try visualization, first settle yourself down to a place of quietude. As such, you can be sensitive to the processes which allow your self-image to merge with the details of the mental picture you are about to script. Visualize a personal behavior you want to develop (or change) and choreograph a scenario complete with characters, setting, sound, and so on—whatever seems appropriate—and place yourself in it. Try to see yourself performing the behavior from as many angles as possible: your own personal perspective, objectively, or from another person’s or several other people’s perspectives. Try seeing from different angles. Keep editing the scene until your responses in it are right where you want them—that is, where they are most in line with your overall goals. Then see what happens when opportunity presents itself in your daily experiences. Note: The more detailed you can script your visualization, the better.
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Here are some other resources if you want to read more about visualization.

“Three benefits of visualisation are 1. Neuromuscular templates are created. These templates are “patterns of mind-body reflexes that prepare you for what you are going to do” 2. You leave your comfort zone. Visualizing your goal takes you into a whole new realm – which can be scary and weird, but much safer in the confines of your mind. 3. Your intuition is rallied for support and new ideas.”
How & Why Visualization works – Behavioural Psychology, esuite

“If you use it correctly, visualization techniques are the most powerful tool in your arsenal to make effective, long-lasting changes. I encourage you to learn more about this awesome tool, and experiment yourself so you can determine what works best for you.”
How to use visualization effectively – The Fast Lane

“The mind cannot tell the difference between an actual, ‘real-life’ event and a vividly imagined one. This is absolutely true. Through PET scans of the brain, researchers have shown that the same parts of the cerebral cortex are activated when we imagine something as when we actually experience it. Thus, visual imagery activates the optic cortex in the same manner that an external visual stimulus would.”
The power of guided imagery – Think Positive Blog

And some fantastic quotes on visualization to use as a new mantra:

“To accomplish great things we must first dream, then visualize, then plan… believe… act!” – Alfred A. Montapert

“Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blue print, and begin to build.”  - Robert Collier

“The entrepreneur is essentially a visualizer and an actualizer… He can visualize something, and when he visualizes it he sees exactly how to make it happen.” – Robert L. Schwartz

“I visualize things in my mind before I have to do them. It’s like having a mental workshop.”- Jack Youngblood

“You must see your goals clearly and specifically before you can set out for them. Hold them in your mind until they become second nature.” – Les Brown

“To visualize is to see what is not there, what is not real — a dream . To visualize is, in fact, to make visual lies . Visual lies, however, have a way of coming true.” – Peter McWilliams

“See things as you would have them be instead of as they are.” – Robert Collier

“Make sure you visualize what you really want, not what someone else wants for you.” – Jerry Gillies

Tags | Visualization