Day 20 is about how visualization exercises can help you reach your goals.
Visualization exercises are powerful tools that can help lead you to serious changes in your life. You may not be aware of this practice as a means of increasing motivation. Perhaps it seems like some sort of personal development trend or new age woo, but this process has actually been around for centuries and has been shown to be effective through science. Keep reading to learn more about how visualization exercises can help you reach your goals.
About Visualization Exercises
Visualization is merely using mental pictures to imagine yourself in a situation where you are living your dreams. Instead of focusing your mind on all the challenges that face you as you pursue a particular objective; you take time to picture yourself actually winning at that goal. This type of mental exercise has been used by people in various professions to help them excel past the average and onto stellar accomplishments reserved for only the best of the best. It is common in such fields as athletics, business, and entertainment. You may be familiar with stories of how Muhammad Ali would picture himself knocking out his opponent prior to each match to go onto a major win. Michael Jordan is another athlete known to use this technique by seeing the shot he wanted to take before swishing the ball into the basket.
Why It Works
Neurological and physiological functions are stimulated when you picture yourself in a particular situation or performing a certain act. These are the same functions that are engaged when you actually perform these actions, thus you will receive much the same results over time. The reason it works is that neural patterns are created in your brain and are strengthened each time you perform a visualization. In addition, thinking about an event or action stimulates your nervous system very much as actually doing that thing would. These patterns are recognized and established within your body and brain’s functioning over time.
How to Use Visualization
The key to making visualization exercises work is to reinforce them with repetition. That means you must practice them regularly in order to establish the patterns we have discussed. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and begin to think about a specific situation you would like to manifest in your life. You want this scene to be as accurate and detailed as possible, so take some notes ahead of time. Consider the physical setting, the smells, the people who are there, the feelings that arise and the reason you want this scenario to play out. Let the events play out in your mind as far as you would like them to go. Allow your scene to occur until you feel content with its outcome. Make time daily for your visual practice so that it becomes a habit.
Visualization truly is a tool that can benefit you in ways you never considered. Give it a try to see the results for yourself, and be patient as you learn to embrace this new practice into your life.
Why Do We Make Resolutions – Day 1
The Importance of Setting Goals – Day 2
Value of a Support System – Day 3
Motivation is Key to Progress – Day 4
Measure Your Progress – Day 5
How to Make Resolutions Stick – Day 6
Are You Making Smart Goals – Day 7
How Habits and Routines Can Help You Stick to Your Resolutions – Day 8
Don’t Go It Alone – The Value of a Support System – Day 9
Motivation Is Key – Keeping Your “Why” Front and Center – Day 10
The Value of Measuring Your Progress Along the Way – Day 11
A Journal Can Be a Powerful Tool for Goals and Resolutions – Day 12
Success Tip – Don’t Try to Change Too Much at Once – Day 13
Kick Overwhelm to the Curb by Breaking It Down into Baby Steps – Day 14
Break It Down – From Resolution to Daily Task – Day 15
Stay Motivated by Looking at How Far You’ve Come – Day 16
Celebrate Milestones, Successes & Accomplishments – Day 17
The Power of Cheerleaders, Coaches and Cohorts – Day 18
Get Back on That Horse When You Fall Off the Wagon – Day 19
