THE POWER OF MENTAL VISUALIZATION FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE: See It Believe It Manifest It

Written by: Marie T. Rogers, MPS, Ph.D., RYT

Many are familiar with the concept of visualizing success, as the term has been part of the common vernacular of professional athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs for decades. Performance at the highest level involves setting one's sights on the desired outcome.

We, as humans, are hard-wired to prefer to engage in and perform well-developed and/or learned skills. Simply stated, we like doing what we're good at! Interest and motivation increase with competency, and competency enhances interest and motivation. Competency requires repetition and rehearsal, and these understandably take time and patience.

Many wishing to rise to the top will ask: Is there an efficient method to accelerate competency and attain excellence? Neuroscience comes to the rescue in answering this question, with an affirmative yes; thanks to our enhanced understanding of visualization.

THE NEUROSCIENCE

Originating from the brain are a set of 12 cranial nerves; each serving a different function for sense and/or movement. Of the 12, 6 cranial nerves innervate motor, sensory, and autonomic structures in the eyes. So... when half of the cranial nerves dedicate themselves, either partially or entirely, to vision, we cannot ignore the power of the visual system.

What we see in our mind's eye is truly powerful. The process of picturing or imagining things increases the potential for manifestation, mainly through the application of focus. Through focus, we obtain clarity.

The generation of ideas without the keen ability to organize them will eventually become a distraction to future pursuits. Visualization allows for a counterbalancing of generated thoughts by applying specificity and honing in on the ones of most importance and interest. As you focus on your targeted goal(s), the other thoughts will naturally move to the background and away from your attention. This process improves focus!

Key components involve imagery and mental rehearsal, as well as powerful self-talk. The language you use to narrate the imagery or visualization matters. Invoking as many senses as possible will strengthen this practice. Let's use public speaking as an example. If you are about to get in front of an audience to deliver an important speech, then set the scene:

See yourself walking confidently toward the podium.

Feel your body feeling powerful and relaxed.

Hear the praise from the audience.

Visualization is also highly effective in improving a specific skill set. For example, a quarterback repeatedly visualizing the perfect pass will help him perform this skill while under intense pressure, such as on game day.

Mental imagery affects many cognitive processes such as motor control, perception, attention, memory and planning. Also, focus is enhanced with repeat visualizations. Create the clearest vision possible. If the picture is fuzzy, apply more focus!

If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it. -Muhammad Ali

THE STEPS TO A POWERFUL VISUALIZATION

The time designation devoted to your visualization practice is of your choosing, whether 5 or 50 minutes, or somewhere in between. The benefits accrue with each practice, regardless of the amount of time spent. Repeat and enhance as often as needed.

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place where you will not be disturbed.

2. Focus your attention on the goal. What is the desired outcome?

3. Breathe naturally; progressively bring yourself to a state of calm.

4. Begin to piece together, image by image, the details (from beginning to end) leading to the desired outcome or success.

5. Insert positive emotions and self-talk in the dialogue of this mental rehearsal.

6. See the final successful outcome.

WHAT ABOUT CREATING A VISION BOARD?

A vision board is a conglomeration of images that features your goals and/or items on your bucketlist. There's no limit to what you can post on your board and the only criterion is that it has to be something you truly want. If you don't desire it and it doesn't matter, don't include it. The vision board relates to your life's direction. We are shaped by the way we think and the things we see. Reserve 5 minutes each morning and visit and view your board.

The magic of the vision board is you will start to notice your life, imperceptibly at first, move in the direction of the actualization of your goals. YOU WILL THEN BE IN THE MANIFESTATION ZONE!

POWERFULLY TRANSFORMING VISUALIZATION INTO MANIFESTATION

The key premise to manifestation is that you are now INVITING & ATTRACTING, versus forcing & chasing. Where do you see yourself in 6 months, 1 year, 5 years and 10 years? Are you living in alignment with purpose, meaning, success and your personal bucketlist? The significance of MANIFESTATION is that it brings YOUR VISION to life. Visualization is one key aspect toward manifestation and is, in and of itself, potent but when linked with other success-oriented behaviors, its synergy becomes exponentially powerful.

Setting a daily intention, believing in yourself, taking inspired and forward- moving action, tapping into appreciation and gratitude, and finally, letting go of the outcome will place you directly on the path to connecting with your highest calling. This not only benefits you but it also helps those with whom you interact. Your best self is your INFLUENTIAL POWER!