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Using visualisation to reach the success you deserve
- by Yvonne Yates
Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you know how you will get there, or are there obstacles in your way that you can’t seem to push past?
Sometimes, it’s not through lack of trying – our mind plays a significant role in our ability to succeed. If we can’t see ourselves getting that promotion, for example, we become discouraged. Our inner critic tells us that we can’t do it, imposter syndrome tells us we’re not intelligent enough, and so we hold ourselves back from the success we deserve.
Through visualisation, we can take control of our thoughts and give ourselves the best chance of success. In this blog, we’ll look at what visualisation is, the benefits of visualisation and how you can harness it.
What is visualisation?
Visualisation is a mental practice whereby we imagine a scenario or event in our minds, almost like a dress rehearsal. Imagining yourself achieving success or being a more confident version of yourself is a powerful way of making positive changes in your life.
But how does this work?
Brain research has shown that our imagination is made up of electrical impulses that can have tangible effects on our actions. Mental imagery has been used by top athletes before a big game or when they’re about to take a match-winning penalty. In fact, one study found that imagining forceful muscle contractions increased brain signals and even muscle strength.
What are the benefits of visualisation?
Whilst you might not be looking to become the next Olympian athlete, the practice of picturing future successes in our career and imagining different scenarios has several benefits.
Coping with stress
Feeling overwhelmed by an upcoming meeting or presenting to your coworkers? If you’re faced with a stressful situation, visualisation can help to calm your nerves and reassure you.
Using your senses can help to ground you when visualising and make it feel more real. What can you see, hear, feel, touch or smell? Immersing yourself in the future scenario frees your mind of tensions about the unexpected – you’ve imagined how you’ll do this and you’ll do great!
Boosting your confidence and self-esteem
Seeing your success in your mind improves your confidence and self-belief. When we feel more confident, we’re more likely to achieve or feel satisfied with our efforts. Walking into a room with your head held high has a positive effect on your performance, helping you to put your doubts to one side.
Combating negative thinking
Visualising success leaves less room for the inner critic inside us. It quietens our imposter syndrome and replaces negative thinking with positive thoughts. It’s a powerful technique to fight off negative self-talk, and used with affirmations can set us up for the best chance of success.
How will visualisation help me to succeed?
Psychologist Dr. Snyder points out that “visualizing an action leads to following through on that action. And it’s our actions that get results.” Training our mind is much like when we dress for the job we want to have, to be the person we want to be. We prime our mindset for the success we want to achieve. Seeing that this is achievable and desirable can fuel our motivation and dedication to reach the goal.
Want to visualise a more confident you?
Over time, our experiences can chip away at our self-confidence, and leave us with crippling self-doubt. If you think you’re being held back and would like to silence your inner critic, this Gold Membership course is for you.
You’ll learn how top athletes push beyond the pain to achieve their goals and how you can use the same techniques to do the same. You’ll regain your self-belief and the motivation to take action and pursue wonderful opportunities.
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