Creative visualization: how to use it to reach your goals
This resource is a way to adopt the attitude to reach goals without insecurities.
There is a famous quote traditionally attributed to the famous film producer Walt Disney that says: "If you can dream it, you can do it". Although at first it may sound a bit utopian, there are a number of techniques to which this phrase could well be applied.
Creative visualization is one of them. This cognitive-based technique is based on a precept very similar to that of this famous quote. Next, we explain what it consists of and how we can practice it.
What is creative visualization?
Creative visualization is a cognitive technique in which, using our imaginations, leads us to create a series of mental images in which we project a series of mental images in which we project our goals..
The objective of this creative visualization of our goals and life changes that we want to achieve is to increase our self-esteem, self-confidence and facilitate the coping with these changes. to these changes.
In addition, the practice of this technique can help us to modify our emotions and feelings we have regarding our future; facilitating the experience of well-being both at an individual psychological level, as well as at a social level.
Creative visualization is not about anything mystical or enigmatic, it is about using our imagination to modify our thoughts and feelings.. Having positive thoughts and images about what we want can unconsciously condition us to achieve it.
In reality, we use creative visualization practically every day, it is just that we are not aware of it and we do not do it in an orderly or regulated way.
An aid to lead us to action
This technique is not as easy as it sounds. We can't achieve our dreams just by imagining them. Each person, due to his or her beliefs, has certain limitations when it comes to changing certain aspects of his or her life.
Therefore, it is necessary to keep an open mind and overcome our limiting beliefs. It is not enough to fantasize. This will take a little time, but with practice we will get things to start changing.
Almost all of us repeatedly think about everything around us. We spend hours ruminating thoughts about our current situation, continually recreating the same type of circumstances. However, with creative visualization we can modify these thoughts and visualize what we want to change..
Guidelines for creative visualization
There are some discrepancies about the guidelines to follow for creative visualization. Some assumptions, such as computational image theory, have elaborated a set of ruled and ordered guidelines. However, other theorists or practitioners are much more flexible in outlining rules for when it comes to outlining rules for its practice.
Nevertheless, they all have several points in common. Below we present a series of steps to follow in order to carry out creative visualization in a satisfactory way.
1. Have clear objectives
First of all, it is essential to know what we want to achieve. Having clear objectives is essential to be able to focus on them.
Also, a key requirement is that they must be realistic, a key requirement is that they should be realistic and sensible so that we can so that we can assume them well. For example, even if we dedicate ourselves every day to imagine that we have won the lottery, this is neither realistic nor in our hands, so it is unlikely that we will achieve it.
2. Generate the mental images
Once we are clear about what we want to achieve, we give way to the mental generation of these images. Using processes of memory and imagination we must mentally recreate those situations or metar we want to achieve.
It is important to use all our senses and be as concrete as possible.
3. Maintain creative visualization
This means to conserve and sustain in time these imagesin an intentional way. To do this we can install ourselves in a quiet place without distractions, breathe deeply and mentally reproduce these images.
It is advisable to carry out this practice, at least, twice a day for approximately 10-15 minutes. Creating a routine is essential so that these images do not decay or degenerate over time.
4. Inspecting the images
During this phase, we must inspect the mental image once we have created and maintained it for a while.
It is necessary to explore it carefully and make sure that it is as we want it to be. As well as perceive what feelings and emotions it generates and make sure they are positive. and make sure they are positive.
5. Transform the images
Finally, once we have inspected the image we can modify or alter it depending on whether it provokes negative emotions or not.. If there is something in it that does not convince us, we must reflect again and find that point that brings us well-being and seems satisfactory to us.
Tips for creative visualization
In addition to the steps to follow for the creative visualization of mental images that reflect our goals, there are a series of recommendations for this technique to be carried out effectively.
First of all, and as mentioned above, we must develop our open mind. Keeping an open mind is essential to adapt to and manage the changes that surround us. As well as to be able to identify the opportunities that are presented to us in life.
In addition, it is vital to maintain a positive attitude with respect to our mental images. Through by using reinforcing thoughts and words, we can combat our doubts and negative thoughts. we can combat our doubts and negative thoughts.
Finally, as with everything we set out to do, we must be consistent and believe in ourselves. If we stop trying right away, we will probably never succeed.we will probably never succeed.
Therapeutic applications.
In the therapeutic field, creative visualization aims to provide the patient with tools to face the difficulties or setbacks that are inherent in the course of life.
This technique, guided by a professional in psychology or mental health, allows the person to replace those difficulties or setbacks that are inherent in the course of life.This technique, guided by a professional in psychology or mental health, helps the person to replace those images or thoughts that maintain or worsen their current situation, with others that provide solutions to their problems and therefore a greater psychological well-being.
The objective is to educate the patient in the creation of mental images that change his or her perspective of the problem and provide plausible solutions.
(Updated at Apr 12 / 2024)