Tip 306) The Phenomenal Power of Visualisation

So, let’s talk about the fantastic power of visualisation and clarify exactly what visualisation is.

Also known as Visual Mental Rehearsal, visualisation is the process of imagining events or objects in your mind’s eye to achieve a desired outcome.

Most people can visualise. Let me give you an example – what colour is your door?

When you thought about that question, you probably brought an image of your door and what it looks like to your mind to identify the colour. 

That is visualisation. Some people get full HD colour images, and some get vague images. Either is good. If you are one of the very few people who simply can’t visualise, don’t panic – just go with the feeling of having what you want, rather than seeing the actual images.

I believe that learning to visualise is a skill you can learn, just like any other skill. As with any new skill, practise helps. You can strengthen your visualisation techniques when you start to make the images brighter and stronger, adding colour, movement, smell, sounds and – most importantly – emotion.

Many influential people, athletes and celebrities have discovered the amazing power of visualisation and have used it to achieve their dreams. Positive visualisation is fun, exciting and very empowering.

Numerous studies have proven that the brain does not know the difference between imagining something or doing it. Therefore, visualising positive outcomes enables both the brain and the body to become responsive and conditioned to that result. In other words, we are kidding our subconscious mind into believing that something is happening in the way we want it to happen.

In a famous study that appeared in an important psychology journal a few years ago (North American Journal of Psychology), athletes who mentally practised a hip-flexor exercise had strength gains that were almost as significant as those in people who did the exercise five times a week for 15 minutes on a weight machine. How amazing is that?

Many sportspeople and celebrities have used mental imagery and visualisation to increase their success for years.

Tiger Woods started using visualisation techniques from a very early age. He has been using the incredible power of his mind to form images and visualise exactly where he wants his golf ball to stop for years. He is now one of the most famous and successful golf players in the world.

Another great example is the famous Hollywood star and governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has used visualisation techniques to fulfil his hopes and dreams from a very young age. When he first started as a bodybuilder, he used to visualise what it would be like to win the title of Mr Universe and then acted as though he’d already won it, which he did a few years later.

Perhaps one of the most famous people in the world who openly uses visualisation techniques is Oprah Winfrey. She often talks about the power of the subconscious mind, affirmations and other goal focusing techniques on her talk show.

And there are many others, such as Anthony Robbins and Bill Gates, who have claimed that visualisation has played a significant role in their success.

Visualisation is about taking your personal improvements to the next level by creating a short movie in your mind where you have already achieved what you are affirming. You can have one movie that incorporates all your goals, or you can have a different movie for each – it is entirely up to you.

Personally, I tend to create movies that encompass all that I am looking to achieve, as I find that much more fun and exciting.

Check out Saturdays (tip 308) for my top tips on for visualising!

To your success!

Jo x