This post is Part 2 of a two-part series, "Supercharge Your Visualization".
In my last post, I discussed the value of adding Emotion to your visualization exercises. Today, we are going to talk about the impact of adding Physiology to your creative visualization.
Before we begin, I'd like you to try the following exercise; After reading these steps, close your eyes, take three deep breaths...and then SMILE. Not just any smile, but a big ole' grin! (If you need any help manufacturing a smile - CALL ME - we need to talk!)
And while you are smiling, I'd like you to notice two very important things...
1) How it feels to smile, and
2) What's missing?
If you are smiling genuinely, you should feel GOOD! And what's missing is NEGATIVITY.
The fact is, its kind of hard to feel BAD when you are smiling. And this took how much time? Like, 10 seconds? ... Maybe less?
Can you imagine the impact that you would make at work if you just smiled constantly? People would definitely think you're a freak, right? I can hear them now..."Wow, what's up with Joe? That guy must be crazy or something!"
Now of course, I don't expect you to walk around every day with a smile plastered on your face...But what I do want you to notice is that you experience a psychological change for the better when you make a positive change to your physiology.
And why is this important?
Because it unlocks a little-known secret to maximizing the effectiveness of your visualization. We can use physiology to "trick" our subconscious into believing what we want our mind to believe.
Let's take an example from an Olympic athlete...
In the 1960 Rome Olympics, Bill Nieder wasn't even expected to be a threat in the Men's Shot-put. He had won the Silver medal in the 1956 Games in Melbourne, yet almost did not make the team in 1960. (He was an alternate, and was given the opportunity to compete when another athlete was injured).
And while preparing for his event, he had one vision...to be the Olympic champion.
Mentally, he would walk himself through the motions, imagining the perfect throw. And while imagining, he would replicate the necessary motions physically. He would "throw" his pretend shot-put flawlessly, always further than the competition.
He "saw" himself standing on the Olympic podium. He would actually bend over and envision the Gold medal being draped over his neck. In his mind, he "heard" the cheers from the crowd while our national anthem was being played. And then he stood up tall, visualizing the raising of the American flag, while imagining the feelings of pride and joy that can only come from winning Olympic Gold.
Mixing these physiological movements with emotion helped him to crystallize the desired outcome in his mind.
And as you can guess, he won the Gold medal!
Now you might be thinking, "yeah, but I'm not an Olympic athlete"...
That doesn't matter. You, too can mix physiology with ANY visualization to produce superior results.
When visualizing your new car, pretend to steer. Want a better job? Reach out and turn the imaginary knob that opens the door to your new office. Want to feel loved? Hold out your hand and imagine it being held in the hand of someone you love.
Adding physiological elements, while creatively visualizing what you want will supercharge your visualization. This method is an excellent way to create belief in possibility. And belief creates certainty. And when you are certain, there is no limit to what you can accomplish.
Try it today, and practice it tomorrow (and beyond!)
I'd love to hear how YOU have used creative visualization to manifest your desires! Please leave a comment, or send me an email with your story. You may just see it in an upcoming Post!
Until next time, be creative!
J. Shoop
Your Visualization CoachTM
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