The Power of Visualisation: How It Helps Me Reach My Goals

Hey Lovely! Happy Monday!

I'm just bursting to share something with you all today. Something that, hands down, rocked my world and kicked me right out of my 'meh' phase. Can you guess? Yep, we're talking about the art and power of visualisation. 🌈✨

Okay, so if you're thinking, "What's the big deal about daydreaming?" then, my friends, you're in for a treat. Visualisation is like daydreaming's cooler, more powerful cousin. This stuff isn't just a flight of fancy; it's about creating a mental rehearsal space where your life's desires, goals, and journeys take shape before they unfold IRL (in real life).

Now, rewind to my pre-entrepreneur life. Picture me stuck in the daily grind, my creativity squashed in a 9-5 office job that was about as inspiring as a stale sandwich. I knew something was missing, a spark, a zest for life, you know? I craved change, not just a new job or a hobby. I wanted a life that I had designed, one where I felt like the architect, not just a character in someone else's storyline.

That's when I stumbled upon visualisation. Not gonna lie, I was a sceptic. How could simply picturing something make it real? But hey, I was desperate for a shift, and boy, did I have dreams that were collecting dust. So, I gave it a go.

I started small, imagining personal goals, like how I wanted to feel every day (hint: NOT miserable), places I wished to see, and the work-life balance I desired. I didn't just think about them; I lived them in my mind. I pictured the tiniest details, from the exhilaration of seeing a satisfied client's face to the warmth of the sun on a weekday afternoon spent outside because I COULD.

And here's the crazy part - stuff started shifting. My mindset, the opportunities that came my way, the people I met... It was like I had unlocked this secret level in the game of Life, where suddenly I was scoring all the right points.

So, dear readers, this is what we're diving into today. I'm unravelling the what, why, and how of visualisation. Trust me, once you get into it, there's no going back. Your dreams stop being these far-off, intangible fantasies and start feeling like real, attainable futures.

Ready to unlock this superpower? Let’s turn those dreams into reality, one mental picture at a time!

Understanding the Concept: visualisation Demystified:

Alright, let’s break it down: What exactly is visualisation? At its core, it’s a technique involving mind over matter. It's the practice of creating vivid, detailed mental images that portray a desired outcome, essentially tricking your brain into thinking that this imagined scenario is real. The idea is that by visiting these mental scenes regularly, your brain and body become trained to act in ways that align with them. It's like setting your GPS to the destination of your most incredible dreams!

Now, this isn’t just woo-woo talk; there’s science behind it! When you visualise an act, the brain generates an impulse that tells your neurons to "perform" the movement. This creates a new neural pathway that primes your body to act in a way consistent with what you imagined. So, all that mental rehearsing preps your brain and body to actually perform the act, making your goals a part of your reality!

But hey, don't just take my word for it. This technique is a well-worn tool in the kit of many high achievers you know and love. Take the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in basketball, Michael Jordan, for instance. He swears by visualisation, having repeatedly pictured making the game-winning basket so many times in his mind that, in the crucial moment, it was like second nature.

And let's not forget the queen of the talk show world, Oprah Winfrey, an avid advocate of visualisation. She’s been super vocal about how picturing her success and happiness helped her manifest it in her real-life experiences. And, come on, we all know Oprah’s track record of turning dreams into empires!

Oh, and remember Jim Carrey's story? The one where he wrote himself a check for acting services rendered, worth a whopping 10 million bucks? He dated it for Thanksgiving 1995, and just before that date, he snagged a movie role with...you guessed it, a 10 million dollar payday!

World-class athletes, Hollywood stars, top-tier business moguls... you name it, they're doing it. They’ve harnessed the power of visualisation not just for one-off successes, but as a lifestyle. They mentally rehearse their victories, picture their performances, and imagine situations where they're achieving their personal best.

The bottom line is, these folks aren't magicians or the chosen few. They’ve simply understood the power of their own minds in shaping their realities. They vividly picture their success, immerse themselves in the feeling of their achieved goals, and, lo and behold, life starts to orchestrate those very outcomes!

Ready to give it a shot? Keep reading, as I’m about to guide you through your first visualisation journey.

The Turning Point: My ‘Aha!’ Moment with visualisation:

I want to get super real with you for a sec. Let me take you back to a time when I was utterly fed up with the 9-5 grind, feeling like a small cog in a big, uncaring machine. I knew I needed a change, something that resonated with my soul's desire to help others, especially young people, and to be part of a workplace that valued personal growth as much as profits.

So, here’s what I did. One evening, after a particularly draining day, I decided to try a guided visualisation exercise. I closed my eyes and let myself be led through a journey in my mind. I imagined a workplace where empathy and support were the norm, where people were passionate about making a difference in young lives, and where personal development wasn’t just encouraged but celebrated. I envisioned my role, felt the excitement, the purpose, and the connection with my colleagues. I pictured the office, my desk, the view from the window, even the mug I held during coffee breaks! It was a place that felt so warm, so vibrant, so ME!

Now, here comes the goosebump part. The very next day, I got a call from a recruiter. They had this opportunity with a company that, wait for it, was all about supporting young people and championed personal development. I know, right?! It was uncanny how it ticked all the boxes I’d visualised just the night before. My heart was racing; it was like the universe had been eavesdropping on my mental rehearsal!

Fast forward a bit, and I was sitting in my new office (with that exact mug!), feeling like I had somehow hacked the universe. But, as life would have it, this was a short-term contract, a fleeting taste of what could be. However, it was pivotal because it wasn’t just about finding a job. It was the realisation that visualisation was no mere daydream. It was powerful; it was real; it worked like magic.

That job, wonderful as it was, turned out to be just a stepping stone, a nudge, showing me the path towards something even greater. It gave me the courage to eventually say goodbye to the traditional 9-5 altogether. But more than anything, it taught me an invaluable lesson: Our minds have this incredible power, an ability to help shape our reality.

This experience wasn’t a one-off miracle - it was a wake-up call. It showed me that if I could bring a job into my life, what else could I achieve? What could YOU achieve if you dared to visualise?

In Practice: How I Integrate visualisation into My Life:

Let me tell you, integrating visualisation into my daily routine has been nothing short of a game-changer. It's like this secret sauce that adds a dash of magic to everything I do. But how do I make this magic happen? Sit tight, because I'm about to spill the beans!

Just before I sit down at my computer for the day, I take 10 minutes to listen to the purposeful words of a 'Goals & Focus' guided visualisation. The amazing Carrie Green from the Female Entrepreneur Association lends her voice to this session, setting the tone for a day centred around achieving my dreams. It's not just about listening; it's about immersing myself in the experience, feeling every emotion, and seeing my goals as already achieved.

But that's just the start! My secret weapon, my constant source of inspiration, is my vision board. And it's not hidden away; oh no! It takes pride of place right above my desk, a constant, vibrant reminder of where I'm heading. And because I'm a bit of a techy-nerd (proudly so!), I've set it as my laptop wallpaper too. Can't escape those dreams, right?

Now, these aren't just random images. They're my biggest goals, based exclusively around Disneyland Paris, the trip I'm manifesting for October 2024 and then, the big one - Orlando, Florida, for October 2026. I picture myself there, the thrill of the rides, the enchantment in the air, and the joy of living my dream.

These mini-visualisation sessions aren't a chore; they're my little escapes throughout the day. Whether I'm knee-deep in work or just need a moment, a glance at my vision board pulls me back into my 'why,' fuelling my drive and reigniting my passion.

Visualisation isn't just a practice for me. It's a constant reminder that my dreams are valid, achievable, and oh-so-real. And with each mini-session, I'm not just dreaming. I'm building, believing, and best of all, becoming.

So, whether you're about to start your day, feeling the midday lull, or winding down in the evening, remember this: Your dreams are waiting for you to seize them. Picture them, feel them, and step into the magic that is your life!

Challenges: When Visualisation Gets Tough

Let's have a heart-to-heart, dreamers. Visualisation isn't always a walk in the park. Some days, it feels like my brain is a rebellious teenager, refusing to cooperate. I'm trying to conjure up images of joy and success, but all it wants to do is remind me of my endless to-do list or replay embarrassing moments from 2005. Frustrating, right?

There are times when visualisation feels downright silly. Sitting there, eyes closed, trying to feel the future in the present... and my brain pipes up, "Are we seriously doing this?" It's as if I can hear the universe giggling at me. On these days, doubt creeps in, whispering that I'm just daydreaming, living in a fantasy rather than doing something 'productive.'

And let's talk about those challenging days – when life throws curveballs, and it seems like my goals are light-years away. Visualisation becomes a Herculean task when the future I'm trying to picture seems obscured by a fog of uncertainty and current struggles.

So, what's a dreamer to do when the going gets tough?

1. Acknowledge the struggle: I don't brush these feelings under the carpet. I nod at them, acknowledging that it's a rough day, not a rough life. It's okay to feel the chaos; it doesn't make me or my dreams any less valid.

2. Return to the 'why': Why am I doing this? Why these goals? Revisiting my core motivations acts like a compass, steering me back when I veer off track. It’s not just about the destination but also the journey, the growth, the person I become along the way.

3. Gentle encouragement: I treat myself like I would a dear friend. No harsh self-criticism. No 'should have done better.' Just gentle, encouraging words, a reminder that every step, even the tiny ones, is a leap towards my dreams.

4. Seek inspiration: I turn to the stories that uplift me, whether it's a podcast, a book, or an episode of something heartwarming. These stories remind me that everyone faces hurdles and, more importantly, overcomes them.

5. Just five minutes: On days when it all feels like too much, I commit to just five minutes of visualisation. More often than not, those five minutes help shift my energy and perspective, and if they don’t, that’s okay too. There’s power in showing up, even when it’s tough.

Visualisation, like life, is a journey with its ups and downs. It’s a skill, requiring patience, love, and a hearty dose of tenacity. And on this journey, even the bumps are valuable, teaching resilience, fortitude, and the sheer strength of our spirit.

Tips for Beginners: Starting Your visualisation Journey:

So, you're ready to embark on the transformative journey of visualisation, and I couldn't be more thrilled for you. From my heart to yours, here are some nuggets of wisdom to pave your way towards vivid, fulfilling visualisations. Ready, set, dream!

1. Start Small and Specific: Your first task? Visualise something small and attainable. Picture the perfect cuppa you're going to have tomorrow morning, the warmth as you wrap your fingers around the mug, the steam swirling up to your nose, the taste... Got it? Great! You're already visualising!

2. Make It a Ritual: Find a quiet moment in your day, make it YOURS. Early bird? Picture your goals with the sunrise. Night owl? Let your dreams unfold under the moon. Just five uninterrupted minutes to start with, and you're golden.

3. Embrace Your Senses: Realise your dream in 4D by involving all your senses. What can you hear in your success scene? Is there a scent? Maybe the sweet smell of success (or is that just chocolate)? The more real it feels, the better.

4. Beware the Doubt Demon: Ah, self-doubt. It loves to gatecrash our dream party. Acknowledge it, then politely show it the door. Your dreams are valid, no matter how big, small, or sparkly.

5. Patience: Rome wasn't built in a day, and dreams don't materialise overnight (unless you're a wizard, in which case, carry on). Be patient with yourself. Celebrate the tiny victories.

6. Consistency is Key: Make visualisation a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. It's like watering a plant; consistent care is way more effective than an occasional flood.

7. Vision Boards & Visual Aids: A collage of your future – pictures of that holiday spot, quotes from your role models, anything that aligns with your goals. Put it somewhere you can't ignore. Yes, even the bathroom!

8. Keep It Positive, Keep It Bright: Visualise the best version of your life, the happy moments, the milestones achieved. No room for worries here, thank you!

9. Community Spirit: Share your journey with friends, or join a like-minded group (Hey, we’ve got a fantastic one!). There’s strength in numbers, and collective energy can be super powerful.

Starter Exercise

Ready to dive in? Let's start now! Close your eyes (okay, read the next bit first, then close them). Picture a door. Open it. What's on the other side? It's your personal 'happy place.' What does it look like? Feel like? Smell like? Spend 5 minutes there and soak it all in. Congratulations! You’ve just taken the first step.

A Heart-to-Heart on Visualisation

As I sit here today, sharing these intimate fragments of my journey with you, I'm overwhelmed by a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the trials and the triumphs, for the moments of doubt that made the victories sweeter. Visualisation, to me, isn't just a technique; it's a sanctuary. It's the safe space where my dreams find their voice and my heart finds its strength.

I'm brimming with exhilaration for what's to come. I've got big plans, lovely people! There are dreams perched on the horizon, waiting for me to weave them into existence, and I'm more ready than ever. I want you to feel this rush! Imagine us, a community of vibrant dreamers, turning whispers of 'what if' into exclamations of 'I will!'

But, I want to hear from YOU. What are your dreams? What's the big 'scary' goal you're hesitant to voice out loud? Drop a comment, slide into my DMs – let’s turn that hesitation into a hallelujah moment! You’re not alone; we’re in this together, every step of the way.

Join the Journey! 🌟

Fancy a challenge? I’m proposing a 30-day visualisation dare. Yes, a dare! Because I dare you to dream boldly, to claim the future you deserve. Picture your best life with me every day for 30 days, and let’s compare notes on the magic we witness. Pop into my inbox to let me know you’re in and I will officially launch 1st January.

And hey, if you haven’t already, hit that subscribe button or give me a follow on Instagram (@dreamerssettersandgogetters). This journey is ongoing, and trust me, you don’t want to miss the incredible stories, tips, and ‘aha!’ moments we share in our blossoming community of dreamers, setters, and go-getters.

Have an amazing week and I will be back with another blog next Monday.

Kerry xxx😁❤️