9 Visualization Techniques – Reach your Goals

How to use visualization techniques to reach your goals in life

The Greek philosopher Aristotle explained the method of visualization in a few simple steps, and even though this advice is over 2,000 years old, it still holds true today.

“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.”

Visualization is a powerful tool used by many successful individuals. It’s a technique of focusing and targeting your mind towards what you want. Through visualization, you can create images in your mind to reflect where you want to be in life and what you want to accomplish. After winning Mr. Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger said:

“I had a clear vision of myself winning the Mr. Universe contest. It was a very spiritual thing, in a way, because I had such faith in the route, the path, that there was never any question in my mind that I would make it.”

Visualize goals – While this drive and focus doesn’t happen instantly, it shows that with a clear vision and discipline, you will be on your way to success. Whether you want to win a world title or excel in a new education course, the key is to confidently visualize it.

These mental images will drive you to become more focused and proactive about getting what you want. We have created a list of 9 practical visualization techniques that those wishing to empower themselves through starting a business or self-education can use as a guide/start towards achieving their dreams.

Visualization Techniques – Basics

Your mind is an extraordinary creation. Despite its powerful capabilities, you can’t automatically think your way into mastering a new course or increasing sales. Just like an athlete doesn’t think their way into running longer distances faster. The mind, however, can help you achieve your full potential. You should fully utilize its visualizing powers to create a positive mentality and put yourself first.

1. Be Specific

You may have many goals that you want to achieve, but that could spread your energy thin. Instead, find your highest-priority goals, and avoid the rest that is distracting. Make a list of 25 goals that you have—this may seem like a lot, but you will be surprised at how easily they come. Cut this list down to your top five goals, removing anything that is repetitive or unimportant.

Once you have that list of five, set one specific goal. Normally, your top five will all be supportive or related to the one goal. When you have a focal point to visualize you stop wasting time and energy on other goals that don’t matter or aren’t as important. Be as specific as you can when visualizing and creating goals, so you can focus on what matters.

2. Be the star

When you are meditating and creating an image to strive for, you should be the center of attention. Actively participate as yourself in the visualization and not from the role of an audience member. By placing yourself first, you are removing the passive role that could hinder success. Don’t take the backseat on your visions, and imagine from your personal perspective.

3. Be positive

While reaching your ultimate goal can be seen overwhelming, your mind can overcome this fear, so you can succeed. Think of all your successes and hard work, not failures. These positive thoughts will lift you up to new goals towards your overall vision. It’s more helpful to think of all the positive accomplishments you’ve had instead of the setbacks. Struggle is an inevitable part of success, but it doesn’t have to hold you back from an optimistic mentality.

Visualization Techniques – Repetition

When learning, repeating the material is necessary in order to comprehend the material, and the same is true for visualization. Repetition helps target in and hone your ideas, so you can get a clearer vision of what you want, and how you can achieve it. By maintaining a constant schedule and visualizing habitually, your images will be more clearly defined and easy to follow.

4. Choose a time

Pick an interrupted stretch of time—about five minutes—where you can work solely on visualization. Make sure there are no distractions or chances of interruptions. If you are choosing to meditate right before bed, then make sure you follow this pattern every night. A routine helps establish an important place for visualization in your life.

5. Consistency is Key

In addition to practicing consistently, you should also be visualizing the same mental image each time you come back to it. Not only will you easily be able to get back into the picture, but also you will create more details and a complete vision. A powerful visualization is full of details and will benefit you in the long run.

6. Exercise Your Mind

When you want to get physically stronger, you do a workout. The same idea applies to get mentally stronger. Details are the most important part of visualization. In order to practice creating images for the important aspects of your life, you should do mind exercises.

Try to simply visualize a person. Is it a man or a woman? How tall are they? Do they have brown eyes? Is there a scar on their leg? Ask yourself different questions to paint a detailed picture of their body, clothing, mood, etc. Start with a general picture and then get more detailed until you are able to zoom in and out. This exercise might seem difficult at first, but with consistent practice, you will eventually be able to do this with ease.

Visualization Techniques – Treasure Map

When you close your eyes and think about what you want in life, are you immediately transported to it? Do you have a successful business or impressive education without any obstacles? Most likely, you do create these barriers in your head because they are a very authentic part of life. In reality, you will have to face certain obstacles or meet requirements in order to achieve your goals.

7. Identify the Treasure

What is the end goal you would like to reach? If it’s improving your education or business, then that will be the treasure you should visualize on your map. The treasure is a constant reminder of what you are working towards and what you want to achieve. Try to make the end goal as detailed as possible, so you can be certain when you meet it.

8. Obstacles

While picturing your goals are important, so is including what may stand in your way. On a treasure map, there could be a deep lake or hot pool of lava preventing access to the treasure. These hurdles also exist in your own life, and identifying them can help you reach or jump them.

For example, if your goal is to become a strong proposal business writer, then you should look at what you need to do before accomplishing this feat. You should start by strengthening your basic writing skills, and then focus specifically on the business. This will help you create a realistic visualization and prepare you for success.

9. Get Physical

Create an actual treasure map by listing, drawing, making collages, or anything else creative. Don’t worry if you are not a great artist—simple creations work too! Think of some affirmations you can include as well, pushing you towards your goals. You can use this physical map to mentally visualize your goals and what you may encounter on the way. This step is especially helpful for those who initially struggle with visualization. It builds a strong foundation and starting point until you are able to create this treasure map without physical aid.

Visualization Techniques – Conclusion

Everyone dreams, but what if you could take these figments and turn them into something useful to better yourself, your career, or business? With dedication and strong visualization techniques, you can transfer these images into actions and succeed. Visualization helps make your ideas into reality.

“The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s positive and focused mentality helped him reach his full potential, turning his visions into reality. His results and numerous other successful athletes, educators, musicians, business owners, and so on are proof of the power of visualization. With time, dedication, and positivity, you can also real your full potential and increase potential career prospects. Remember: you attract what you focus on.

What are the best visualization techniques? Please share your tricks and tips and the comments below!

Further reading: Memory Techniques | Best Online Learning Platforms | Speed Reading Courses | Meditation Techniques