Visualize your goals and dreams

Do you remember a time when you were just miles away and daydreaming about a future goal? What did you see? What were you hoping for? Have you pictured a scene from a book you were reading? Did you place yourself in the scene? Visualization is a form of active dreaming. You are creating an image of something you want in the future and you are putting yourself in that “scene.” Have you ever been so wrapped up in a vision or fantasy that you could actually see yourself talking to a person or you could smell something from that scene you were in?

Visualizing can help us in many ways. Our video from week 3 focuses on visualization and different ways to use this technique. The possibilities range from seeing a goal weight you want to achieve to seeing an ideal job, ideal home, or ideal car you would like to have. You can also use visualization as a way to relax and relieve stress. We do not need to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to reduce stress. We can just focus on a picture of what we desire and then start making the plans to get to that future self we wish to be.

No, it is not easy. It takes work; not only on learning how to “see” our future goal, but also on adding positive affirmations to back up our desire to reach that goal. We have to start learning the importance of clearing out the clutter, removing the negative self-talk and to really start setting boundaries on what we will tolerate or accept. This is not saying to be rude or to cut ourselves off from everything and everyone, but toxic environments and people must be removed. It is not easy, but it is well worth the effort.

So, anyone from professional athletes to dedicated employees and everyone in between can use this method to turn a negative into a positive. If you want a particular house, picture the house you want. You may even go so far as to attend open houses where the homes have the same or very similar features to those of your dream home. If you want to complete a 5k race, then “SEE” yourself doing just that. See the day of the race, the start line, see the probable weather, and imagine yourself running the course. SEE yourself crossing the finish line in first place.

The point here is that we can have what we imagine or fantasize about (so long as it does not hurt others and is not dangerous). We want to think in positive terms of financial goals, health goals, lifestyle goals, etc. We want to surround ourselves with images of our dreams to maintain our motivation. We want to remind ourselves numerous times every day what we want, why we want this goal and then work each day toward this goal or dream. Nothing worth having comes cheap or easy, but if it is worthy, then you won’t mind putting in the work to have the goal or dream. Stay healthy, stay focused, and stay hydrated.