One of the most powerful tools we have available to us in Personal Development is Creative Visualization. However, Creative Visualization extends well beyond Personal Development in terms of applications and benefits, representing a powerful tool for Art, Architecture, Entertainment, Literature, Science, Technology, Philosophy … and so on. In fact, it is hard to conceive of a field in which Creative Visualization could not be or, more accurately, is not being utilized to advantage and represents one aspect of our Greatest Asset …. our Mind.

Creative Visualization

Effectively Utilized by so Few

Creative Visualization is only one use for Imagination, allowing us to picture in our minds an object (or objects), (an) outcome and/or a future we desire. As such, Creative Visualization has a virtually infinite number of uses, limited only by our imagination. Indeed, visualizing is a highly recommended aspect of goal setting and, as any desired outcome can be considered a goal, it is safe to state that virtually anything created by mankind was visualized to some degree before becoming a reality. Indeed, the potential of Creative Visualization is so great that some modern proponents of the “Law of Attraction” promote the perspective that Visualization can completely replace the required component of “Action” in “manifesting” one’s goals.

Tools to Assist Visualization

Visionboards and Mind Movies

Visualization has been strongly recommended in association with Goal Setting. Two aids commonly recommended with regard to assisting Creative Visualization as a tool for visualizing your desired goals are Visionboards and Mind Movies.

Visionboards are a collection of static images (i.e. photographs, advertisements, brochures, etc ) representing your goals. The images are pasted or posted on a variety of different mediums (i.e. posters, cork boards, bulletin boards, etc) and then placed in a prominent position where you can view it multiple times throughout the day. A more modern version would be to compile your collection of images representing your goals in digital format and use the resulting digital collage as a background on your computer, stored on your iPhone or Blackberry for easy, daily access or to print as a poster size print for your wall.

A more recent version of the static Visionboard idea is a dynamic Mind Movie. A Mind Movie is relatively easy to make, using easily accessible software which may already be present on your computer. A Mind Movie can be a dynamic set of images (i.e. photographs) arranged in slide show format, with a variety of animations available for presenting images and text, Alternatively, a Mind Movie might include or even consist entirely of short video clips. The resulting movie can then be enhanced through the use of inspiring music or other audio files. Again, once completed, the resutling digital file can be placed on your computer, iPhone and/or Blackberry for ease of access virtually anywhere.

The Aspect of Creation

Visualization is a powerful tool in, and of, itself, however, the emphasis of this lense is CreativeVisualization, or the utilization of Visualization in creating, and realizing, potential. Visionboards and Mind Movies are examples of realizing goals, and even dreams, through the use of Visualization. Through the use of Visionboards and/or Mind movies, you are actively realizing your goals, your desired outcomes, by creating the circumstances necessary.

For example, if you are currently employed as a receptionist and it is your desire to become President of the company for which you work, there are probably some proactive actions necessary to create the circumstances in which you might be considered for the position. You may need to further your education, acquire education and/or skills necessary to a corporate President. You might need to become more aggressive in having your skills noticed by upper level management in order to advance up the corporate ladder. Perhaps there are lateral transfers to other branches or locations that might provide better opportunities for advancement, requiring re-location of you and your family. By establishing your goal and setting your mind firmly upon its realization, Napoleon Hill’s Burning Desire, you will find yourself recognizing, and becoming more open to, opportunities as they pertain to realization of your goal.

There is an important disctinction to be made here between the technique I am advocating and that generally proposed under “The Law of Attraction”. I am advocating a greater awareness to opportunities as they present themselves, NOT creating opportunities through the power of your mind. You willl be able to create opportunities as you work with, and influence, people around you. You will create opportunities through recognition of your work ethic, abilities, integrity, honesty, skill set, etc. as they are recognized by your peers and management. In short, it will take effort and action on your part in order for you to recognize and/or create opportunities conducive to your advancement.

If, however, you simply sit at your desk all day, visualizing your goal and waiting for the “Law of Attraction” to manifest your desired goal, you will likely find yourself fired for being lazy and day-dreaming at work.

Visualize your desired outcome as fully and completely as possible, then undertake Directed Action towards its fruition.

Imagination

The Basis for Visualization

Successful visualizing is dependent upon the power of your imagination. If you are unable to imagine an outcome, it is iunlikely to be realized. Furthermore, the mind is like any other muscle in the body. If unused, it will atrophe and wither (figuratively). However, if you exercise your mindt, it will gain strength and ability.

Therefore, don’t get frustrated if your first attempts at Creative Visualization are disappointing. Use a Visionboard and/or Mind Movie to supplement the progressive training of your imagination. Use resources such as “The Silva Method“ to develop the power of your mind and to assist with developing your imaginative ability.

In short, identify and establish your goal, your desired outcome, then use every tool available to move yourself toward it … on a daily basis.

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