Guided Visualization to Spark Success
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“It looks like an archeological find” he told me, alarmed.
“Yeah,” I chuckled in understanding, “that happens every summer.” My friend’s description of my jungle lodge has some truth—at the peak of the summer it’s completely overgrown. It does indeed resemble something out of an Indiana Jones movie.
The reason for this is that we close the Tailwind Jungle Lodge from June to October—it’s is just too darn hot, wild and muddy in the rainy season. Closing my business during this time is actually a blessing in several ways. I love letting the jungle run wild and free as it rejuvenates itself for those 5 months. It not only allows for the ecosystem to be healthy and thrive, it also means I get to run wild and free for the summer as well! The last few months I’ve journeyed from Mexico to Colorado, Alaska, the Adirondacks of New York, Maine, and Quebec. As I write this, we’re now in the car on the long drive south back to my beloved jungle on the Mexican Pacific. I’m truly grateful for adventures across North America!
Now it’s time to roll up my sleeves, get to work, and gently nudge the wild jungle back to reasonable boundaries (we love living in harmony with the natural world but we all need our personally space!). As I prepare to dive in, I find myself visualizing the tasks ahead. Some are little things—cutting down vines, clearing trails, cleaning railings and hand painting signs. I see myself laughing as I work alongside my staff. I also envision myself working on the bigger things—expanding the lodge with new casitas, rebuilding the website and launching my book. I visualize the steps required to achieve my goals and how it will feel to succeed. Oh yeah…it’s gonna be sweet!!!
Visualization is a powerful tool that has guided me throughout my journey as a wildpreneur. I whole-heartedly believe that imagination and envisioning yourself in action is one of the keys to making your dream come true! Where your intention goes, your energy flows. Research shows that “top performers, regardless of profession, know the importance of picturing themselves succeeding in their minds before they actually do in reality. Visualization is extremely effective when harnessed and used correctly” says performance strategist Matt Mayberry. He offers these simple, yet very real examples:
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was always stressing the importance of seeing himself victorious long before the actual fight.
As a struggling young actor, Jim Carrey used to picture himself being the greatest actor in the world.
Michael Jordan always took the last shot in his mind before he ever took one in real life.
Hmm, interesting…kind make sense that we might want to give this visualization thing a try, right?
Guided Visualization and Tips
Take a mindfulness pause now: close your eyes for a moment and tune into your dream. Take 5 minutes to listen to the audio-recording above. Digest this a moment, read through the tips below, then set a timer for 20 minutes, grab a pen and paper and visualize yourself in action. Make notes and write down your story along the way! Return to this exercise again and again—this is an essential tool in your quiver of wildpreneur success strategies.
Imagine every step in detail. What action steps will you take to make your dream business a reality? Break big goals down into bite-sized chunks. See yourself moving through the stages. Then, once you’ve completed each task and achieved your goal, picture what you will do next. How amazing does it feel? How will this change the course of your life? Little details will magnify the power of this visualization exercise. Get specific—the more vivid the better.
Focus on the positive. Focus on success instead of the obstacles or challenges along the way. “Envision yourself victorious like Ali. Picture yourself as the greatest at your craft like Carrey. Visualize your next shot as your winning shot like MJ.” says Mayberry. Ask yourself: What will it take to bring my dream to life? What sacrifices will I make? How can I handle any obstacles and still have enough to make it to the finish line? The key is to make your positive vision stronger than anything that can set you back.
Use all your senses. Don’t limit yourself to just the visual. What will you be smelling, hearing, feeling? “The most effective imagery involves all five senses,” says performance psychologist Michael Gervais, Ph.D. “You should be so immersed in a mental image that it seems as if it is actually happening,” he says.
Be true to yourself. “If you’re a soft-spoken type, don’t visualize yourself thundering and pounding your fists; it won’t feel real. Think of speaking clearly and confidently, as the very best version of you” says Gervais.
Write it down. Putting the story of how your dream business will unfold in writing help turn it into reality. The notes you take during this visualization exercise may become a cornerstone of your business plan! Au
Article sources:
https://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/visualization-techniques
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/242373
