The Science Behind: Visualizing

Micheal Phelps has twenty-eight Olympic medals. Katie Ledecky has set world records as an American female swimmer. In 2012, Sarah Blakley was crowned Forbes' Youngest Self-Made Billionaire. Oprah Winfrey is a global sweetheart, with a net worth of 2.6 billion U.S dollars.

All four of these people are phenomenal and incredibly smart. However, they have more in common than just brains, and beauty. According to Inc. all four of these people use visualization.

According to the internet, "Visualization is any technique for creating images, diagrams, or animations to communicate a message."

In simpler words, visualization is a way to see things before you do them.

But how does that affect us?

Katie Ledecky said, "I have my goals and I visualize things to help me achieve those goals...I know why my stroke should feel like at different parts of the race, and I can just picture that in my mind. "

These incredibly successful people use a technique that's almost like daydreaming, but unlike it, visualizing is encouraged in most fields.

But how does one visualize?

According to Inc., there are 5 steps to being the perfect visualizer, but I've added my own twist to them.

Step 1: Be Clear. Be Specific.

If there's one thing the genie in Alladin taught me, it's to be specific. Don't think, I want to do well on a test, think I want to get a 100% on a test.

Step 2: Draw it in your head

Imagine that A+ on the paper. Or that acceptance letter to Harvard. Or the perfect house.

Step 3: It's not a one-time thing

Visualize often. What a better way to start the day than thinking about achieving your goals. Or end your day with visualizing.

Step 4: Dream Hard. Work Hard.

Dreaming of an A+ will help you achieve it, but it won't automatically happen. Visualizing is in no way a substitution for good ol' hard work. Nothing worth achieving ever comes easy.

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

Until next time...

Stay Curious ;)

Love,

Sarah

Sources:

https://www.inc.com/jessica-rovello/five-steps-to-visualize-success-like-an-olympian.html

Cover: https://mindfulnessexercises.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/free-guided-visualizations-pip.jpg