Creative Visualization: This Is How It Is Used To Reach Your Goals
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 series 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.
Creative visualization is a cognitive technique in which, using our imaginations, it leads us to create a series of mental images in which we project our goals.
The objective of this creative visualization of our objectives and vital changes that we want to achieve is increase our self-esteem, self-confidence and facilitate coping to these changes.
Furthermore, practicing this technique can help us modify our emotions and feelings that we have regarding our future; facilitating the experience of well-being both at an individual psychological level and at a social level.
Creative visualization does not consist of anything mystical or enigmatic, It’s about using our imagination to modify our thoughts. 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, we are just not aware of it and we do not do it in an orderly or regulated way.
This technique is not as easy as it seems. We cannot achieve our dreams just by imagining them. Each person, due to their beliefs, has certain limitations when it comes to changing certain aspects of their life.
Therefore, it is necessary to keep an open mind and overcome our limiting beliefs. It’s not enough to fantasize. This will take a little time, but with practice we will get things to start changing.
Almost all of us think repeatedly 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 disagreements about the guidelines to follow for creative visualization. Some assumptions, such as the computational theory of images, have developed a series of regulated and ordered guidelines. However, Other theorists or practitioners are much more flexible when it comes to setting standards for its practice.
However, they all have several points in common. Below we present a series of steps to follow in order to carry out creative visualization satisfactorily.
1. Have clear objectives
First of all, it is essential to know what we want to achieve. Being clear about our objectives is essential to be able to focus on them.
In addition, a key requirement is that these are realistic and sensible so that we can assume them well. For example, although we spend every day imagining that we have won the lottery, this is neither realistic nor in our hands; so it is unlikely that we will achieve it.
Once we are clear about what we want to achieve, we give way to the mental generation of these images. Using memory and imagination processes We must mentally recreate those situations or goals that we want to achieve.
It is important to use all our senses and be as specific as possible.
3. Keep visualization creative
This means preserve and sustain these images over time, intentionally. To do this, we can settle 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 decline or degenerate over time.
4. Inspect the images
During this phase, we must inspect the mental image once we have created it and maintained it for a while.
It is necessary to explore it carefully and make sure it is just as we want. As well as perceive what feelings and emotions it generates in us and make sure they are positive.
5. Transform images
Finally, once the image has been inspected We can modify or alter it depending on whether it provokes negative emotions in us or not. If there is something in it that does not convince us, we must reflect again and find that point that gives 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-mindedness. Keeping an open mind is essential to adapt and manage the changes that surround us. As well as to be able to identify the opportunities that are presented to us in life.
Additionally, it is vital to maintain a positive attitude regarding our mental images. Through the use of reinforcing thoughts and words we can combat our doubts and negative thoughts.
Finally, as with everything we set out to do, we must be constant and believe in ourselves. If we stop trying right away We will probably never achieve it.
Therapeutic applications
In the therapeutic field, creative visualization aims to provide the patient with tools to face the difficulties or setbacks that are inherent to the passage of life.
This technique, guided by a psychology or mental health professional makes it easier for 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 greater psychological well-being.
The objective is to educate the patient in creating mental images that change their perspective of the problem and provide plausible solutions.
