CREATIVE VISUALISATIONRod Smith - Director, Strategem
Creative visualisation is a mental technique that uses the imagination to make dreams and goals come true. Used in the right way, creative visualisation can improve your life and attract to you success and prosperity.
All successful people use it consciously or unconsciously, attracting the success they want into their life, by visualising their goals as already accomplished.
Creative Visualisation and the Power of Thoughts
How does it work and why?
I have often wondered why creative visualisation works and have to confess that I don’t have a scientific answer. I have heard that thoughts travel from one mind to another, and if they are strong enough, they can be unconsciously picked up by people, who are in a position to help them achieve their desires and goals. I do know that you can think your way into new ideas, new friendships, relationships and successful outcomes.
Most people focus their thoughts on their current environment and situation, and therefore, create and recreate the same sort of events and circumstances. This process preserves the same “world” and status quo. It is like watching the same film over and again. The good news is that you can change the film by changing your thoughts. You can visualise different circumstances and situations, and in this way, create a different “reality”.
I have often coached people who are looking for a better job, promotion or new career direction. I get them to visualise that promotion or new career. What would they do? How would they feel? What actions would they take differently from today? It is important for them not just to think about this but to really imagine themselves in the role. It is a form of dress rehearsal for the real thing. It can make a major difference when it comes to the interview for the role and when they actually start the new job or career change.
Overcoming Limited Thinking
The power of visualisation is a mighty power, but there are some limits to using it. These limits are within us, not in the power.
We often limit ourselves and cannot look beyond a limited circle. We limit ourselves by our thoughts and beliefs. We limit ourselves to the life we know.
The more open-minded we can be, and the bigger we dare to think, the greater are our opportunities and possibilities. Limitations are within our minds, and it is up to us to rise above them.
An Example of Creative Visualisation
Years ago I had reached the final of a club squash tournament. I was up against a player who played a very aggressive game – he hit the ball very hard and he was superbly fit. I knew that if I went out and tried to hit the ball hard throughout the game he would really love this and I would have a tough job to beat him.
I did some creative visualisation the day before the final and on the day itself. I visualised the game I would play (a more crafty game of a variety of soft and hard shots) and I actually played it in my head.
I used positive thought processes and used meditation techniques to remain focussed and relaxed. When a negative thought came into my mind I would throw it out immediately and substitute a positive one. I played that match in my head through to the final point and when the actual game took place I played it just the way I had rehearsed it. Yes and I won the club championship!!
How often do you use creative visualisation? What more could you achieve by using these techniques?
