Visualizing the Life You Want

What is visualization?

It's the process of imagining, or seeing with your mind's eye, what you want out of life. For example, I want to be a successful published author. So, if I were to visualize what my typical day would be like, I'd envision myself waking up early to take a morning walk. Then I'd make a cup of cinnamon tea while I'm looking over my daily schedule. Once I knew what was on my plate, I'd spend a few hours writing or editing my next novel. After reaching a decent stopping place I'd cook lunch and enjoy the next hour catching up with my husband. Then it's on to answering email and recording a podcast discussing my newest release! About an hour before the sun sets, I'd close up for the day and write what I'm grateful for while sitting on my back porch overlooking a mountain valley with a small lake. That's where I'd stay and watch the sun set, glittering off the lake, with my husband while listening to nature wind down for evening.

I could keep going, but I think you get the picture! Some people create vision boards to help them work toward their goals and dream life while other write it out long hand. The point is to make it as specific as possible and reflect on it daily.

How does it work?

Our brains cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is imagined. If we continually visualize what we want or who we want to be, it becomes ingrained in our subconscious. Once it's in our subconscious, our brain works overtime to help us reach the place we have so vividly pictured. We will be more likely to recognize opportunities that will take us where we want to go. If you've ever wanted to buy a new car and decided which specific make and model you want, you've probably noticed that you see that same vehicle everywhere you look when you didn't before. That's because your Reticular Activating System, located in your brainstem, is working with your subconscious to pay attention to what you've deemed important.

What it is not...

Some people believe that you can use visualization to "manifest" your future. While that is true, it doesn't mean that you visualize what you want and it just happens. This isn't magic or a wish that someone grants. You have to put in the work. Visualization just helps you move closer to your goals/future quicker.

How do you do it?

As mentioned previously, you can create a vision board with photos that represent your goals either specifically or give off the same mood. These photos can be found with a simple google search or in magazines or brochures. Some people prefer to make their vision board on a large cork board or posterboard so they can hang it somewhere they will see it every morning. Others, like myself, will make the vision board in their planner so they see it every day, multiple times a day.

My 2024 Vision Board

If you prefer to write the vision out long hand, then keep it somewhere you can read it every day.

However, the most potent form of visualization is done through meditation. This isn't the meditation where you're told to clear your mind, but rather reflecting on specific goals and dreams. Sit somewhere quite and comfortable where you won't be interrupted. Start by breathing slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth, until you're in a relaxed, peaceful state. Once you're ready, begin visualizing what it is you're working toward. Use great detail. Incorporate all of your senses. If you're wanting a house, what do you see from your windows? What is the temperature like? What smells do you associate with that location? The more in depth you can visualize the scene or situation the better. The first time you do this, you may only be able to visualize a small portion. The more practice you have, the better you'll be at seeing it all in your mind's eye.

Yeah but does it really work?

Yes! Studies have been done that show the effectiveness of visualization. Pearson et al (2015) recognized that visualization stimulates the same brain regions that actually seeing does. For example, weight lifters visualizing lifts activated the same area of the brain as when they performed the same lift.

Guang Yue of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio compared two groups: one group doing physical exercises to increase finger strenth and one group only visualizing doing the finger exercises. He found that the group doing the actual physical exercises increased their finger strength by 53% while the group doing the virtual exercises via visualization increased their finger strength by 35%!

There are also stories of prisoners of war visualizating playing golf while in captivity then playing their best round of golf once they were home. So, suffice it to say, if you make visualization part of your daily routine, or even just weekly, it can work for you.