"Visualizing is daydreaming with a purpose."
I learned about the powerful effects of visualization in high school. I was determined to qualify for the Illinois High School Association Track & Field Finals in the high jump. I had been clearing 6 ft. (1.83 m) consistently throughout high school but needed to clear 6'5" (1.95 m) in order to qualify. I kept falling an inch or two short. My coach approached me one day my senior year and suggested I visualize myself clearing 6'5" during competition. I was unsure why this was important, but I trusted Mr. Gunther. He also taught psychology. Maybe he was on to something. 🤔
I started picturing myself clearing the height I needed to qualify for the state meet. I pictured myself landing on the mat and pumping my fist after another successful jump. Couldn't hurt, right? Sure enough, once the outdoor track season began in the spring I cleared 6'6" in competition! Not only that, I never jumped lower than 6'5" for the remainder of my senior year. I qualified for the state meet by winning my sectional with a jump of 6'7". I ended up receiving All-State honors, placing third (1996 Class AA) with a jump of 6'8" (2.03 m). T.J. Jumper won it all. Go figure. 😁 So, did visualizing help? I can't prove it, but I don't doubt it.
At the time, I was still skeptical about the power of visualization, but I was willing to try anything. Now I am convinced visualizing can be vital in helping us achieve our goals. Don't take my word for it, though. There is scientific proof of the power of visualization. There are so many examples of visualization helping people achieve success. The same way that our thoughts and our words shape our reality, our mental images contribute to how life unfolds in front of us. This is why I know it's important for me to picture the images and scenarios I want to show up in my life. This is why I focus on the good.
There will always be skeptics who claim visualizing is hogwash. Maybe they have not seen the results they are imagining yet or their plans for their vision have stalled. The best way to find out is to "see" for yourself. 😁 Of course, we can't just picture what we want and not take any action to achieve what we imagine. We have to take action! However, when we visualize our success or picture the end in mind while pursuing our goals, I truly believe we imrprove our odds of achieving the success we imagine. Couldn't hurt, right?
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