“My method is different. I do not rush into actual work. When I get a new idea, I start at once building it up in my imagination, and make improvements and operate the device in my mind. When I have gone so far as to embody everything in my invention, every possible improvement I can think of, and when I see no fault anywhere, I put into concrete form the final product of my brain.” – Nikola Tesla
Top performers use visualization to create what hasn’t yet been created. Athletes, inventors, business icons, artists and presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt use visualization.
Most people don’t intentionally practice visualization because they think it doesn’t work or they aren’t good at it. Both are untrue.
So how do you visualize?
Start by noticing the images you are creating in your mind.
You are always visualizing whether you are aware of it or not. Most of the time we are not because the pictures are subconscious and they happen so fast!
“I would visualize things coming to me. It would just make me feel better. Visualization works if you work hard. That’s the thing. You can’t just visualize and go eat a sandwich.”- Jim Carrey
Ask yourself, “What am I seeing in my mind right now?”
You will slowly become more aware of the images you are making.
What colors do you see?
Is the image moving or still?
Is the picture dim or bright?
Is it close or far away?
As you build up this practice you will slowly chip away at the images you hold in your mind. Stay tuned for the second part of this series next week!
“I study pitchers. I visualize pitches. That gives me a better chance every time I step into the box. That doesn’t mean I’m going to get a hit every game, but that’s one of the reasons I’ve come a long way as a hitter.” – Mark McGwire