By Rebecca Rodskog, Rodskog Change Consulting
“Close your eyes.  Take a deep breath.  Now picture your happy place!”  This is what most of us think when we hear the word “visualization." Visualization gets a bad rap, and for good reason – many of us have been taken through these hokey exercises and found no real benefit, except for maybe an occasional nap.  Visualization, when done correctly, can be a powerful tool and can make the difference between success and failure.  In sports and in the executive suite, this has been a known tool used to greatly enhance performance.

A few months ago we talked about the 5 tools for successful growth.  Visualization is one of those tools.  I use the term visualization broadly to encompass not only those traditional techniques, but also those things that literally bring your goals and techniques out of your mind and into a picture or words in front of you.  Visualization doesn’t have to be complicated.   A few minutes a day may be all you need to get you on your path.  Below I will show you just how simple it can be to include visualization into your plan for success.

5 Simple Visualization Techniques

1. Post it:  Many of us take the time to write down our goals, but then they are filed away never to be seen again.  Once you have clear goals set, post them in a place where you will see them every day.  Above your desk at work or at home where you pay the bills.  A quick read will remind you every day of where you are headed.

2. Picture it:  The more specific we can get with our goals, the easier it is for us to attain them.  So, if you can find a picture that represents your goal, cut it out and post it somewhere prominent.  

3. Glue it:  If you have the time, sit down with a bunch of magazines and your goals and start pulling pictures of those items that represent your dreams.  Cut out those pictures and glue them to some poster board.  Much like number 2, this enables you to get really specific about what it is you want.  And often, you will get inspired by those photos.  I had one woman in a workshop put a picture of a baby on her board and she said “I didn’t even realize that was something I wanted until I found myself tearing it out of the magazine!”  Once you’ve completed your board, place it somewhere prominent (if you’re open to sharing), like in your office or on the refrigerator.  If it’s a bit too personal, have it under your bed or in your nightstand and pull it out every night before you go to bed or every morning when you wake up and review it.

4. Write about it:  This is one-part documentation and one-part visualization.  Take a few minutes either in the morning or in the evening to describe what your life will be like once you’ve achieved your goal.  Get as specific as possible.  The more you picture yourself as if it’s already happened, the easier it will be to achieve!  

5. Visualize it:  This is a more traditional technique, and it is very powerful.  Find a few minutes in your day to truly meditate on your goals.  Picture yourself doing, achieving, and reaping the rewards of your success.  The more you do this, the more your brain is tricked into believing you’ve already achieved, and you will move towards your goal in leaps and bounds.  

Next Month:  Vocalization:  Tell ‘em what you want!

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Rebecca Rodskog is a NYC based personal life coach, change management consultant, actress and mom.  She has worked with corporations and individuals for over 15 years helping them grow through change in the workplace and at home.  For more information, check out www.rodskog.com.