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“Visualization is daydreaming with a purpose.” ~Bo Bennett

I used visualization techniques frequently when I first became interested in the art of hoopdance. I would spend a significant amount of time watching performances of advanced hoopdancers. I would then visualize myself performing the same dance sequences. I did this just as often as I practiced.

Eventually, I would just be playing around with my hoop and my body would spontaneously do the exact same sequences when I was in a “flow” state, without having to consciously think about it. My visualizations became a reality.

Visualization techniques are frequently used by dancers, leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and athletes alike to improve their performance. The subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between fantasy and reality. Such techniques will help train our minds to believe what we want to be true is already true, thus helping us manifest our dreams into reality.

If you’re a first time visualizer, try these visualization strategies to help you achieve success.

1. Use all 5 Senses in Your Visualization

Despite its name, visualization should include more than just your eyesight. Imagine with all of your senses that what you dream is a reality. See the image in your minds eye, hear the sounds, taste it, smell it, and feel it in your body.

2. Get Dramatic and Act Out Your Visualization

Be playful and use your imagination. Role-play is a great technique for kinesthetic learners. Acting out your visualization will help you feel in your body that your dreams are already a reality.

If it helps, have a partner act with you. For example, if you are trying to manifest a raise, have a partner pretend to be your boss. The two of you can act out the discussion and he can tell you that will be getting a raise for all of your hard work.

3. Use Props

Props are a great way to trick the unconscious mind into believing something is reality.

Actor Jim Carrey grew up in a poor family and would often dream of being an actor. He took his visualizations seriously and would imagine directors coming up to him and offering him acting jobs.

Jim is famous for using props in his visualizations. He once wrote himself a check for 10 million dollars, dated it a few years in advance, and wrote, “for acting services rendered” in the memo line. Just a few months before the check date, he received 10 million dollars for his role in Dumb & Dumber.

Be creative when using props. But, make them seem as realistic as possible. For example, if you are trying to manifest getting out of debt, write a letter to yourself from your finance company stating that your debt has been eliminated and put it in your mailbox for you to receive.

4. Meditate Immediately Prior to Visualization

Meditation will put you in a relaxed open state, which allows your visualization to penetrate you on a deeper level. Relaxing the mind will help silence your mind and clear out any negative thoughts, beliefs, fears, and doubts that will hold you back from achieving your goals.

5. Visualize Several Times a Day

The more you visualize, the better. Use moments of down time to practice short 2-3 minute visualizations.

6. Write Your Visualizations Down

Write your visualizations down using descriptive language. The memory system responds well to the written word and this will reinforce the ideas in your mind, particularly if you have an auditory learning style.

7. Create a Vision Board

A vision board will make your visualization tangible. Use photographs, magazine cutouts, and other items to create a vision board of your goal. Look at it frequently to remind you of that which you hope to accomplish.

8. Be Within Your Own Limits

If you think something is beyond your limits, then it will be. If you are used to living on a low income, don’t immediately try to visualize earning one million dollars, because most likely it will appear to you as beyond your limits and you will feel too much doubt.

For best results, start out visualizing that which is believable to you. Once you start seeing results, then you may find that you are able to stretch your limits even further after seeing the true creative power you hold in your life.

9. Be Proactive

Jim Carrey once stated on the Oprah Show, “Visualization works if you work hard. That’s the thing. You can’t just visualize and then go make a sandwich”.

Visualization is not magic. You still have to put in effort when trying to achieve a goal. I would not have been able to perform hoop tricks by merely visualizing them. I still had to practice and allow my body to become accustomed to the movement and develop muscle memory.

I hope that you find these visualization strategies effective at manifesting what you want in your life. Each of us possesses a unique and creative source of infinite potential within us. Unlock yours by retraining your brain and releasing your limiting beliefs, fears, and doubts that hold you back.

How do you use visualizations to achieve your goals? Share your tips + thoughts with us below. 🙂

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Image by visualpanic.

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