vi·su·al·ize  

v. vi·su·al·ized, vi·su·al·iz·ing, vi·su·al·iz·es

v.tr.

1. To form a mental image of; envisage: tried to visualize the scene as it was described.

2. To make visible.

In life and work, success begins with a goal. It could be losing weight, asking for a raise, quitting smoking or starting your own business. Big or small, goals give you purpose and, like a compass, keep you headed in the right direction. Of course, it then takes lots of hard work and determination to reach your destination.

Writing over 2,000 years ago, Aristotle described the process this way: "First, have a definite, clear, practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends: wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end."

Unfortunately, many of you remain stuck at the goal stage. You start out with good intentions and perhaps a plan, but then you can't seem to make it happen. Before you can believe in a goal, you must first have an idea of what it looks like. To paraphrase the old adage: you must see it before you can believe it.

This is where visualization comes in, which is simply a technique for creating a mental image of a future event. When you visualize your desired outcome, you begin to "see" the possibility of achieving it. Through visualization, you catch a glimpse of what is, in the words of one writer, your "preferred future." When this happens, you are motivated and prepared to pursue your goal.

There are 4 parts to effective visualization:

How often?

The more frequently you repeat a clear mental picture of yourself and the result you desire, the more rapidly it will become real.

How Long?

The longer you can hold your mental picture, the more deeply it is impressed into your subconscious mind and the more rapidly it will express itself in your performance.

How Clearly?

The vividness of your mental picture directly determines how quickly it materializes in the world around you.

How Intensely?

Sometimes, if your emotion is intense enough and your visual image is clear enough, you can achieve your desire very quickly.

Visualization brings whatever you vividly and intently imagine, good or bad. Remember the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for”. Make sure the images you focus on mentally are positive and will improve your life. Eliminate negative, destructive thinking.