The "Slideshow" Positive Visualization Method

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Monday, 01 March 2010

The "Slideshow" Positive Visualization Method

This guest post by Kenji Crosland found me at the perfect time since I love inspiration boards but have no space for one (and I don´t like the way it clutters up the wall). Also, find out why visualisation is important and how it tricks our subconscious !

   Positive visualization has been known as a powerful tool in aiding goal achievement. Maxwell Maltz, in his book Psycho-Cybernetics, puts forth the idea that our brain functions like an incredible computer. According to Maltz, the thoughts that come to us through our conscious mind are like commands we input into the computer. Our subconscious mind then takes those commands and gives us the mental, physical, and emotional resources to fulfill whatever objectives it perceives our conscious mind to have. Positive visualization, he argues, can be one of the best ways to take advantage of the power of our subconscious mind.

   The problem is, our subconscious mind cannot compute a negative. When we stare at a blank canvas and tell ourselves, "No inspiration is coming to me right now. I wish I was more inspired." Our subconscious mind will take that thought and translate it as "No inspiration is coming to me, I wish this condition to continue." This is why starting at a blank word processing document telling yourself "Why aren't I getting any ideas?" is actually the worst way to fight writer's block. Your subconscious mind is convinced you don't want any ideas and it dutifully will block them.

   As far as attracting relationships and having financial success it's no different. Our subconscious mind collects data of people around us who are financially successful and popular and puts together a database of the most subtle actions on how to be successful or popular. If we can tap into that database, our subconscious will provide us with the "right moves" needed to be successful in that particular area. However, if we continue to concentrate on the lack of relationships and our lack of success, our subconscious mind will think that what we really want is to stay unsuccessful and alone.

   One of the ways to program our subconscious in a positive way is to spend time visualizing what we want as though we already have it. This is nothing new, and you'll be able to find countless references to positive visualization in any self-help book. Sometimes, however, it's difficult to get a clear mental picture of what you want. Also, in order for visualization exercises to be really effective, it's something that must be done every day. Many people will tend to give up on positive visualization exercises before they see any concrete results.

Steps to the slideshow method

Here are some steps you can take to make your visualization exercises an effort-free part of your day:
1. Create a folder on your desktop and title it "Positive Visualization Slideshow."
2. Go to Google and do an image search for things you want to visualize. For example, I've used this image to visualize financial success. I also use Cezanne's "Kiss of the Muse" image as a cure for writer's block when I feel it coming on. There are no right or wrong images. Any image that makes your dream feel achievable and concrete are good. You can have pictures of your dream house, your dream job, or simply an image that makes you feel relaxed and happy.
3. After you've assembled the images you want. Go to your folder and click "View Slideshow" on the sidebar. Spend as much time as you like on each image. It's good to give yourself positive reinforcement by telling yourself "This is mine. I can have this. I will have this," as you watch the slideshow. Remember that telling yourself things like "I wish I had this" is no good as you are only focusing on the lack of that particular item. The best way to know if you are doing it right is to consult your emotions. If your emotions are positive, you are on the right track.
4. Repeat the process. I find the best time for visualization is in the morning, before I start my day, but you can choose the time that works best for you.
I've been using the positive visualization process for a while now, and not all of the visualizations have become true. I know that some of them will take time (especially the big piles of cash). The effect of some images, however, are instantaneous. Every time I look at kiss of the muse and visualize myself in it, my writer's block vanishes like magic. The amount of time it takes for reality to catch up with your visualization is just a matter of how far away you are from your intended destination. If you keep it up, however, you'll get there.

This is a guest post by Kenji Crosland, a creative writing major who, scared of becoming a starving artist, became a corporate headhunter in Tokyo. Since then he's regained his sanity, quit his job, and now blogs about creating an ideal career at unreadyandwilling.com. He is also developing a web application that just might change the internet. Follow him on Twitter: @KenjiCrosland.
This post is part of the Guest Post Giveaway at the blog Unready and Willing. If you think articles about writing or personal development (or personal development for writers) sounds like a good fit for your blog, please take a look at the Guest Post Giveaway page and see if any of the articles spark your interest.

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