SubscribeThe Power of Visualization
There simply has to be something behind the theory of "visualization". For example, somehow, or another, brides-to-be can visualize themselves waltzing down the isle in their most "perfect form." This ultimate-image is used to motivate them to shed a few pounds (or tone up) before the big day.
What makes visualization such a powerful shaping tool?
It is my belief that this "positive-imagining phenomenon" is a powerful way to take on change. I’ve been there before: I was one of those visualizing brides and it was an excellent motivator to get to the gym, to tone my arms, and to sculpt my back. I felt amazing on my special day - just like I knew I would, after so many days of imagining and so many days of hard work.
Is it possible that some people are better at envisioning a future self, than others? Are you in the "out group" whose imagination got lost somewhere back in the third grade?
Maybe you don’t think you have a big reason to get into the best shape of your life. Or, maybe you don’t think you can see yourself in a positive, future light.
But, really, what I learned about the power of my visualization, was my ability to perform at whatever expectation I set for myself.
Visualization sets the expectation.
How much do you expect of yourself?
The problem is when someone visualizes a cheesy Hamburger........ hmmmmm... Haaaamburger!
ReplyI beleive visualization is absolutely critical for achieving goals. This is a great reminder of that.
Apply this another way and you realize that if you perpetuate a negative self-image by constantly evaluating and concentrating on the parts of yourself that you DONT like, then your doing yourself a huge disservice. See yourself as you'd like to be and executing the plan to get there will be that much easier.
It's a bit "hippy-dippy" and can therefore be a turn off for some people but I say, "Don't knock it til ya try it."
ReplyVisualization is absolutely critical to success in any weight loss program. When you see yourself as how you want to look changes start happening from the inside out. You begin to act in a way that is congruent with your self image. In the magnetic diet I devote an entire section to visualization techniques and their importance to weight loss.
ReplyI have to agree with MorbidMe. I tend to visualize my future skinny self eating a cheeseburger. Bad, I know.
ReplyVisualization is a great tool in losing weight, indeed. It's only a matter of believing our visions in order for it to be an effective tool.
ReplyI'm a big fan of The Secret which would explain how visualization works by the Law of Attraction. There is an Einstein quote in the movie...
"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life coming attractions."
Replyi'm sorry, The Secret is retarded. The power of the imagination on reality is far better discussed in many other places. The Secret is like a new age guide to making more money and being a better business person.
ReplyI sgree that visualization is important-research proves it! However, I have a hard time figuring out how to visualize the size and shape I want to be. The best I can do is visualize myself in a store buying clothing in my goal size! When I was 85 pounds heavier, I couldn't fathom what I'd look like today, and now that I have 20 more pounds to lose, I can't figure out how that will look either. My husband blames my lack of abilities on poor visual-spatial skills... I wonder if anyone has any ideas on how to go about this important task?
ReplyI disagree. I'm the sort of person who sets expectations that are *too high* for myself, and isn't satisfied even when I reach them. I got to where I wanted to be weight-wise, and I'm still only happy with the results about half the time. When I achieve my goals, I decide they weren't ambitious enough and immediately set new ones. Leads to a lot of overexertion tendonitis and refusal to let myself be happy in multiple facets of my life.
What I find works better as motivation is to look at the ways in which I am already awesome and how much I want to keep being awesome. Let the future be a bit nebulous; success is a product of input and attitude only affects it so much as it affects the input.
But, hey, I have a hard time keeping from snickering every time someone mentions The Secret. I also have a bit of a self-defeatist attitude, so there you go. :P
ReplyI also agree with visualization. I've achieved some of my goals with the help of visualization. It's a great tool in providing us the motivation we need to do what we always fail to do.
ReplySylvia, spot on.
When you think about it, we visualize everyday of our lives. We imagine something, see it in our mind's eye, and either choose to pursue it or not.
I can't imagine who I'd be without visualization. Intentional visualization. I really appreciate your post.
ReplyVisualization... My problem is that I feel thinner than I am. I actually think that I look better than I do and that has caused me to gain! I know it sounds strange, but at least I feel great about myself most of the times.
ReplyVisualization sets the expectation...well said
ReplyVisualization is a very good method to use in weight loss. It supports people who having hard time dieting and exercising.
It doesn't mean that they will not go dieting or exercising anymore. Visualization just create ease when people are dieting and exercising. It became easier! No struggling.
ReplyI believe in it so much that I designed an entire site for online vision boards.
ReplySylvia, you are so right! I love the whole idea that our minds can control so much. It really makes you think about the power of positive thinking and kharma in the world. I found this cool website where you can make virtual online vision boards, I don't know if that is what Tim Ralston was talking about but it is so amazing! You can put audio to it and create a virtual slideshow that motivates you, it really helped me to stay on track. It's called visionboardsite.com. I so recommened it to anyone who needs their own personal motivational coach!
ReplyThanks, Maggie