* IMAGINATIVE INSIGHTS *

Hello? Anybody Home? - This Is Your Imagination Calling!

Are you IN TUNE with your Imagination?

Chances are, like most of us, the last time you CONSCIOUSLY and PROPERLY used your imagination was a very, very long time ago... 

Wait a minute... Am I saying that there is a proper way to use your imagination?

Yep, that's exactly what I'm saying!

More often than not, we spend our time passively imagining the worse-case scenario in any given situation.  Over our lifetime, we've been conditioned to expect the worst, in situations and in people.

And truth is, this conditioning is affecting the quality of your results, and ultimately the quality of your life.

Let's face it... There is no shortage of negativity and bad news out there.  Daily, we are bombarded with stories and images of doom and gloom.  And most of us are not really that good at filtering out the messages or images that don't support us.  We just take it all in.  

But where does all that bad info go once it's penetrated our consciousness?

I'll tell you exactly where it goes... First, the information hangs around in our conscious minds for a few brief moments, and then it gets filed away in the subconscious.  If we dwell on it or give it any consistent emotional energy, it tends to stick with us.  It rises back to our consciousness and attempts to become our "reality".

From there, negative information and pictures can influence our thoughts, and ultimately our feelings.  And when we're not feeling good, we're not at our best.

But what I want you to understand is that past events or bad news does not necessarily need to influence how you move forward in the future.

By actively developing your imagination, you can dramatically improve your attitude, your results, and subsequently, your life.

Like any on the intellectual faculties that you possess, your imagination can be awakened, ignited, and strengthened.  The best part is that it only requires your ATTENTION and MENTAL FOCUS in order to improve.

No manual labor!

As humans, we think in pictures.  (If I were to ask you to think of your car, you'd see a picture of your car in your mind, not the letters C A R, right?)  We're just wired that way.  And you can use this fact to improve the images that you hold in your mind.

Instead of focusing on words or images that are un-supportive, to properly use your imagination, I want you to spend some time getting clear on what it is you want to accomplish in this lifetime. 

I want you to create a clear mental picture of your perfect __________________ (job, spouse, home, car, etc.)

And for each one of your ideal mental pictures, I want you to spend a few minutes each day holding that picture in your mind, and imagining what it would feel like if you already possessed the object(s) of your desire.  This part takes a bit of practice, but replicating the feeling of ownership is a critical key to success with your imagination.

You can use your imagination in this way to improve ANY area of your life.  It only requires consistent practice.

So spend a little time today working on YOU...  You're worth it!

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM

J. Shoop, aka Your Visualization Coach is an expert in the field of creative visualization.  He is a personal coach and the author of "The Other Secret - The Secret Key to The Life You Want by Creating, Attracting, and Connecting With Your Ultimate Mastermind Group".  His mission in life is to help others to find happiness.  For more info on his services and to connect with him, send an email to jshoop@jshoop.com.

The Law of Attraction Versus The Law of Reversibility

Lately, I've been pondering which of these two laws is more relevant in these times... The Law of Attraction or the Law of Reversibility?

Unless you've spent the past few years in total isolation, its very likely that you've heard something about the Law of Attraction (LOA).

The basic premise of this Law, is that like attracts like.  In other words, the circumstances you are experiencing in your life are as a direct result of your dominating thoughts, both conscious and unconscious.  Therefore, the Law is at work at all time, regardless of your awareness of it or attention toward it.

In 2006, a cinematic release entitled "The Secret" helped to catapult the Law of Attraction into the mainstream.  Many people that were newcomers to the concepts of the Law mistakenly interpreted the content to mean that all you needed to do in order to fulfill your desires was to "ask" for something, focus your attention on it, and **POOF**, you'd magically get it!

...Just make a wish!

And sadly, many people (maybe even you?) have discounted the validity of the Law because they've failed to achieve measurable results from their initial attempts at applying the concepts in their lives.

But it's not your fault...

The problem is that you weren't taught anything about the Law of Reversibility.  And without a working knowledge of THIS Law, your results are likely to be marginal, at best.

Yet it's likely that you've never even heard of The Law of Reversibility, right? 

It's somewhat difficult to describe, but when you officially "get it", your life may never be the same!

First, you must understand that all transformations of force are reversible.  (Heat is an example of a transformation of force, as is electricity, or controlled imagination, and so is cause-and-effect).

For example, if friction (a transformation of force) can produce electricity, then electricity can produce friction.  Is this making sense to you?

To put it another way, if a physical fact can produce a psychological state, then IN REVERSE, a psychological state can produce a physical fact.

And why does this matter?  Well...think of the implications...

If you knew exactly how you would feel if you were to realize your dream or objective, and could replicate that feeling mentally, physically, and psychologically (controlling your state of mind), then the Law of Reversibility would automatically cause your objective to be realized.  Make sense?

Your job then, is to assume and sustain the exact feeling associated with your dream or goal being fulfilled.  And in order to sustain that feeling, you must live, move, and BE in that state of belief...

The belief that you already ARE or HAVE that which you desire.

"Get it" yet?

Instead of just making a wish and concentrating on your desired outcome, I want you to assume the feeling of your dream fulfilled, and then continue to practice experiencing that feeling until that which you FEEL becomes your reality.

I'd love to hear how you are successfully using these Laws to accomplish your goals!  Please leave a comment in the comment section provided below.  For more information on combining the Law of Attraction with the The Law of Reversibility, subscribe to this blog, or send me an email. 

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM

J. Shoop, aka Your Visualization Coach is an expert in the field of creative visualization.  He is a personal coach and the author of "The Other Secret - The Secret Key to The Life You Want by Creating, Attracting, and Connecting With Your Ultimate Mastermind Group".  His mission in life is to help others to find happiness.  For more info on his services and to connect with him, send an email to jshoop@jshoop.com.

"Not Only Do I Knock 'Em Out, I Pick The Round!" - Muhammad Ali

Athletes have known it for decades... Visualization is the secret key to championship performances.

And interestingly enough, championship results are not exclusively reserved for athletes.  You can successfully use the very same creative visualization techniques in your own personal and business life.

When I read this incredible quote from Muhammad Ali, "Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round!", I felt compelled to dissect it. 

This brief, yet insight-packed statement embodies vision, confidence, faith, and even humor.

The first part, "Not only do I knock 'em out" presumes that Ali already knows the outcome...a knock-out.  There is an air of confidence in his words that almost suggests that there is no other option.

Then he backed his words with faith, desire, and action, and a knock-out was the usual result.

But the REAL power in this quote is in the second part, "I pick the round!" 

This is the purest example of creative visualization.  Ali visualized the round in which the fight would end.  The precise round!  And prior to every fight, Ali would use his imagination to mentally rehearse how the fight would go, when and how it would end, and finally, he envisioned the referee raising the champ's arms in victory.

But was visualizing the victory enough?

No.

What if Ali entered the ring, with all of his creative visualization and positive expectations, but failed to box?  You can bet that the fight would end pretty quickly, and Ali would likely end up on the canvas wondering what day it was!

Don't make the error of thinking that visualization is enough for you to accomplish your goals. 

Visualization is the starting point, yet to successfully achieve your goals, you must blend those positive mental images with faith, desire, and a plan of action.

Many mistakenly think that the "Law of Attraction" will magically kick in, and somehow effortlessly deliver their wishes.

Sorry, Charlie... It doesn't work that way.  In order to achieve your desires, you need to complete the formula.

The formula works for athletes, and it will work for you.  In ANY endeavor.

Imagine a result or outcome that you want and the believe that it can be accomplished.  Hold that vision with positive expectancy, decide how bad you want it, and then get into action!

Then, knock 'em dead, kid...

And don't forget to pick your round!

I'd love to hear how you have used creative visualization to accomplish goals, solve problems, or improve your circumstances. Please leave a comment in the section provided below.

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM

J. Shoop, aka Your Visualization Coach is an expert in the field of creative visualization.  He is a personal coach and the author of "The Other Secret - The Secret Key to The Life You Want by Creating, Attracting, and Connecting With Your Ultimate Mastermind Group".  His mission in life is to help others to find happiness.  For more info on his services and to connect with him, send an email to jshoop@jshoop.com.

Obama says; "The Future of Our Economy Relies on the Imagination of Entrepreneurs."

Now I'm not one to regularly talk about politics, but this particular statement from our President really grabbed my attention!  

That's not to say that I don't have educated opinions on political subjects, but for the most part, I like to keep those opinions private.

The sad truth is that sometimes people may pass judgment based solely upon one's political affiliations.  I prefer to form character assessments by basing them on my personal or relational experiences with someone...not necessarily whether they are Independent, Republican, or Democrat.

Recently, our President made this profoundly accurate statement; "The future of our economy relies on the imagination of entrepreneurs."

I could not agree with this sentiment more completely!

Economic recovery will never result from watching the evening news.  It will not result from blaming the policies of our former or current administrations.  And it will definitely not result from "doing what we've always done".

New and innovative ideas will be required.  Optimism will be mandatory.  And imagination will be relied upon more than ever.

It is true that our past failures have got us to this point, but they do not have to dictate how we respond going forward.  In a down-turn, it can be easy to throw in the towel, but we must not! 

We need to look at our mistakes, examine them closely, and ask ourselves, "What is another use for this failure?"

Only then, can we activate our imagination - The key to creating positive changes for our economic future.  When President Obama referred to entrepreneurs, he was talking about you!

Even if you do not consider yourself to be an entrepreneur, you certainly possess characteristics that are entrepreneurial in nature.  If you will be willing to take risks and do things differently than you have in the past, you are by definition, an entrepreneur.

If you will be accountable for your personal responses and actions in this down-turn, you are an entrepreneur.

But are you relying upon your memories, or your imagination?

It's easy to get caught up in what's happening now, or what happened yesterday.  But it will take your vision and imagination to determine what will happen in the future.

Imagine if you will, that all of your needs are met.  Imagine that you have limitless resources at your command.  And imagine what you would be doing if there were no one telling you that "you can't do it".

When you have a clear mental picture of the way that you want things to be, hold that picture in your mind and focus upon it with intensity.  As you visualize your intended outcome, think back to a time in which you felt prosperous...a time when money flowed to you freely, and you were confident in your ability to produce and provide for yourself and your family. 

That time will certainly return, if you will commit to doing your part.

Wake up your inner entrepreneur.  Use your imagination.  The future of our economy depends on you.

I'd love to hear from you and how you are using your imagination and/or creative visualization to insulate yourself from the effects of the current economic situation.  Please use the comment section below, or send me an email.

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM

J. Shoop, aka Your Visualization Coach is an expert in the field of creative visualization.  He is a personal coach and the author of "The Other Secret - The Secret Key to The Life You Want by Creating, Attracting, and Connecting With Your Ultimate Mastermind Group".  His mission in life is to help others to find happiness.  For more info on his services and to connect with him, send an email to jshoop@jshoop.com.

Hollywood Reveals The Secret to an Oscar Winning Performance...Creative Visualization!

When you think of The Oscar's, what comes to mind?

Glitz, glamour, and red carpets?

Stretch limousines and the best-and-worst dressed?

In all honesty, my fascination with the Academy Awards is limited to one very specific insight;

Oscar winners rehearse a lot.

Not just a lot, but perhaps more than you or I could ever imagine. 

Through dedication and persistent practice, the best actors actually seem to become the characters that they portray.  And they FULLY understand the importance and significance of "the dress rehearsal".

And when stripped of its mystique, creative visualization can be accurately described as a "mental dress rehearsal".

In the dress rehearsal, an actor will play out their part, exactly as if it were their actual performance.  They see the action, use the same words, and instill the same emotion and physiology in every scene...just as they would in the final take.

Likewise, with creative visualization, you will think of an intended goal or outcome, and then you will imagine how things will be if that outcome were already achieved.  You want to see it as being achieved, using the same words that you would use, while instilling the same emotion and physiology as you would if your goal was realized.

And then you rehearse.  And you rehearse some more.  Not occasionally, but DAILY.  Not once in awhile, but literally as often as time will permit.  The repetition is where the skill and the magic are created.

Try this exercise...Take a moment to think of an outcome that you aim to experience.  Specifically, fix that outcome in your mind.  (Let's say, if you were an actor, that outcome might be to "win the Oscar for Best Actor").

If I were that actor, I would close my eyes and imagine arriving at the auditorium in my stretch limousine.  I'd see myself stepping out of the limo onto the red carpet in my Armani tuxedo while the paparazzi snapped off dozens of photos of my arrival.  I'd hear hundreds of fans cheering and calling out my name.  I'd then go on to picture myself sitting in the audience amongst my peers, in eager anticipation of the main event...the nominees for best actor in a motion picture! 

And finally, as the crowd roared, I would gracefully make my way to the stage as they announced "and the Oscar for Best Actor goes to..."

Can you picture this scene in your mind? 

Now try to visualize an outcome that YOU want to achieve.  Add as many specific details as you can.  Hear the sounds that you would hear.   See the faces that you would see.  And feel the emotions that you would feel.  When you can blend emotion and certainty with your visualization, you trigger the Law of Attraction, and your goals are literally attracted to you like a magnet.

Most importantly, mentally rehearse OFTEN!  Visualize your successful accomplishment again, and again, and again.

The secret to your best performance is the effective use of creative visualization.  And the clearer you can make your visualization, the sooner it will materialize in your world.

Have you utilized creative visualization to achieve a goal or realize a dream?  I'd love to hear your experiences, so please leave a comment in space provided below.

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM

J. Shoop, aka Your Visualization Coach is an expert in the field of creative visualization.  He is a personal coach and the author of "The Other Secret - The Secret Key to The Life You Want by Creating, Attracting, and Connecting With Your Ultimate Mastermind Group".  His mission in life is to help others to find happiness.  For more info on his services and to connect with him, send an email to jshoop@jshoop.com.

Creative Visualization Doesn't Work...Unless You're Doing It Right, and Doing It Often!

The "right" way to visualize is a very personal thing.

The basic elements are to:

1)  Start with the right mindset,
2)  Create a clear mental image or picture of your intended outcome and hold your focus upon it,
3)  Allow your body and mind to experience the emotions and feelings that would be associated with achieving your desired outcome, as if it had already happened.

Every now and then, when I'm interviewing a new coaching client, the topic of creative visualization will come up.  They sometimes tell me things like "Creative visualization doesn't really work for me", or "I don't really believe in creative visualization".

Does this sound like you?

Before I discuss the key ingredients for success with creative visualization, I want you to consider those two responses -

- "Creative visualization doesn't really work for me"
- "I don't really believe in creative visualization"

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to quickly realize that both of these responses are actually a mindset problem, and not a creative visualization problem.

Let's think back to the immortal quote by Henry Ford - "If you think you CAN do a thing, or think you CAN'T do a thing, you're RIGHT!"

If you are adopting the limiting belief that creative visualization doesn't work, then that will become your reality.  But the best news is that the opposite is also true...

If you believe that creative visualization works, then it ABSOLUTELY will work for you!

But HOW do you adopt this new belief, (or for that matter, any new belief)?  You must start by observing and then experiencing proof...both social and physical, and then by practicing creative visualization often.

First, let's tackle proof...

You already know that ALL things are created twice, first in the mind and then in our physical reality.  This is the EXACT formula for success with creative visualization.  Just try to think of anything in your existence that did not originate from a thought in someone else's mind...it simply cannot be done.

And here is some social proof...

Everywhere around you, you are hearing about the Law of Attraction.  And there is certainly no shortage of people or information available on the subject.  Some of the discussions are clever marketing and hype, but the baseline premise is that YOU ATTRACT WHAT YOU FOCUS YOUR MIND UPON.

That part is definitely true. 

And therein lies a critical key to success with creative visualization...adopting the mindset that creative visualization DOES work, and then by practicing visualization often. 

If you are relatively new to creative visualization, I'd suggest that you take up a bit of study on the subject.  There are many excellent resources available, and one of my personal favorites is a book written by Shakti Gawain, simply titled "Creative Visualization".  You can find it on www.amazon.com or on her website www.shaktigawain.com .

This little book provides numerous tips and techniques that you can begin incorporating into your daily routine.  I highly recommend it for helping you to learn how to create clear mental images, understanding the relationship between your thoughts and your outcomes, and how to clear your mind of limiting beliefs which may be inhibiting your success with creative visualization.

Finally, you must emotionalize your visualization in order to create a vibrational match between your imagined desire, and the physical equivalent of that desire.  For more insights on adding emotion to your visualization, jump to the archive section of this blog and review "Supercharge Your Visualization, Parts 1 and 2".

So today, adopt the new mindset that creative visualization DOES work, and that you are going to practice often.

Create first with your mind.  Think about what you truly want to do, be, or have.  Then focus your attention upon that thought, and finally, mix mental pictures and physical feelings with your thoughts.

I'd love to hear about the successes that you've had with creative visualization and any other techniques that you are using to improve your skills.  Please leave any questions or comments in the area provided below.

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM

Making The Unseen Visible

Everything that we experience in our world was created twice...first in the mind, and then, in reality.

And the creation in the mind begins as a single thought.  Any thought, mixed with emotion, desire, imagination, and action has the potential to transform from an idea into its physical equivalent.

But take away any of those necessary ingredients, and the thought will fail to materialize in your reality.

Although all of these factors are necessary, it is my opinion that imagination is the most important.  If you lack imagination, it is likely that your dreams will remain unfulfilled.

But fear not...you can develop imagination.

With practice, repetition, and focus, you can greatly improve your imaginative skills.

This is how you make the unseen visible.

Creating a clear mental image of what you want is the starting point of creating your own reality.  For those that have challenges in picturing or visualizing objects, it may be helpful to know that it can be equally beneficial to "feel" the feeling that you would experience upon obtaining the object of your desire.

For example, if you are seeking a new job, you may struggle to "see" yourself in the new position, yet you may quite easily produce the feelings of pride or happiness that would result from being hired for this new job.

Replicating these emotions within you will help to crystallize the intended outcome in your mind.

Here are 5 1/2 steps to help you to activate your imagination;

1)  Identify the goal or object that you aim to accomplish or attract

2)  Create an inner stillness - This is achieved by slowing down your breathing, becoming quiet, and preparing your subconscious mind to receive instruction

3)  Imagine your goal or desired object as you would if it had already materialized in your reality.  Take some time to feel the feelings associated with this accomplishment.

4)  Concentrate for a few minutes on the images or feelings that you are experiencing while in this moment.  When I say concentrate, I mean exclude ALL other thought.  Think only of your desired outcome for this step.

5)  Believe.  Create certainty by mentally telling yourself that your vision IS possible.  Feel the sense of knowingness that permeates your being when you are certain that you can and will have that which you desire.

5.5)  Repeat often!

Your subconscious mind acts upon the dominant thoughts that swirl around in your mind!  Increase the frequency and quality of your visualizations, and soon you will be realizing your dreams.

It is not a matter of if...only WHEN!

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM

Supercharge Your Visualization, Part 2

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

Supercharge Your Visualization, Part 1

This post is the first in a two-part series, "Supercharge Your Visualization". 

When using creative visualization, there are several key steps that you can implement in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Most people know that it is important to get into a relaxed state prior to visualizing.  This is accomplished by slowing down your breathing, closing your eyes, and calming your mind.  When I say "calming your mind", I'm referring to excluding random thought.  

In other words, your thoughts are going to be actively directed by you, toward something specific.

A common place to focus your thoughts is on your breathing.  As you take each breath, concentrate on the air being drawn into your body, and gently and slowly letting the air escape as you exhale.  After spending a few minutes focusing on your breathing, you should notice a feeling of "stillness".

From the stillness, you will now introduce the object of your visualization, and then add the key elements to supercharge the vision.

In today's edition, we will be discussing the power of adding emotion to your visualization.

For some, adding emotion to visualization may seem difficult, yet this skill can be easily mastered when you know how to "trick" your mind into producing emotion on command.  We accomplish this by actively using our memory.

As an example, let's say that you desire a new sports car.  Not just ANY sports car, but a BMW 550i.  You expect that owning this car will bring you certain feelings, such as joy, pride, exhilaration, etc.

We want to link these feelings to a clear mental image of the car.

Now, think back to a time in which you felt exhilaration.  For myself, I'm thinking back to a wild roller-coaster ride in Disneyland.  As the ride slowly inches up the steep incline, I begin to feel the nervous anticipation of what I know is coming next...the rapid, heart-pounding, exhilarating descent that is a part of every great roller-coaster ride!

By closing my eyes and remembering that feeling, my mind is in a "peak" state that I can use to link to my visualization.  While in this peak state, I now imagine myself behind the wheel of my new BMW 550i-to-be!

With repetition and practice, you will be able to produce that exhilarating emotion every time that you visualize the image of your car.  And as you consciously direct your thought and feeling toward the object of your desire (in this case the BMW), your subconscious will be quietly working in the background, figuring out all the ways to bring the object of your desire into your experience.

Take some time to think of a positive emotion that you can easily reproduce in your mind. 

Really allow yourself to feel that emotion deeply, and in that moment, think of something that you aim to achieve, accomplish, or acquire.  Practice this technique often, and watch how quickly your desires materialize in your reality!

In part two of Supercharge Your Visualization, I will be discussing how your Physiology can have a massive impact on manifesting your dreams.

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization CoachTM

Imagery and The Power of The Written Word...

Every day, our conscious (and subconscious) minds are bombarded with images.  Some are positive, but most are not. 

Watch the evening news for 10 minutes and you might feel like going to your kitchen drawer to look for a sharp knife...

Crime, political unrest, the "R" word...there is no shortage of words and images designed exclusively to grab our attention. 

But are these 'stories' really worthy of our attention? 

Do these stories add value to our daily experience?

We must find ways to counter-attack these negative thoughts and images, by replacing them with ones that support us.

Now more than ever, it's so very important to defend yourself against the national tidal wave of media negativity.  Yet it's so easy to get in the trap of coming home from work, plopping down on the couch, and tuning into the (bad) news, believing that it's somehow required, in order for you to know what's going on in the world. 

Yet the truth is, most of the "news" being reported usually has little to do with you, personally.

Sure, there is the occasional feel-good report, or perhaps a compelling story of interest that affects you.  But for the most part, the legitimate, newsworthy stories take a back seat to shock and sensationalism. 

And those images don't go away when you turn off the TV.  They hang around in your subconscious, affecting how you think, feel, and act - weighing on you and sapping your energy.

If you must learn about current events, why not pick up a newspaper and scan it for appropriate content, applicable to your interests?  This could be accomplished in mere minutes, versus the hour (or more) that most folks spend watching the nightly news.

I want to encourage you to take back the time that you ordinarily spend watching the news, and instead, reserve 10 minutes-or-so for reading something that adds true value, either to your business, your education, or your outlook on life.  Or perhaps browse through some photos of your friends and family, and recall those precious memories? 

How much time did you spend today reading thought-provoking or uplifting material? 

Was it enough?

There is NOTHING more powerful than masterfully crafted words, strung together in perfect harmony, to create a sentence that touches your soul...

And there are few things more powerful than the perfect quote.

Quotes make us stop, think, and reflect.  We read and re-read them.  And if they resonate with us, we memorize them.  We can align with the author or speaker, and we can visualize or imagine what they were feeling when they crafted it. 

A great quote will move you, and even alter your consciousness... 

We love quotes so much that we can't wait to share them with someone when the time is right to impart some wisdom.

Today I will leave you with one of my current favorites:

"To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered a chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents.  What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour." - Winston Churchill

Are you prepared?

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization CoachTM

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