using visualization to project your best self

I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can better myself, both at home and at work. in fact, I probably spend too much time on it, which then just defeats the purpose of doing it in the first place. but at least I try 🙂 that said, I’ve started to use visualization as a tactic to get myself to improve my mental state in the toughest situations. specifically, if I’m approaching a stressful meeting at work and want to kick butt but am nervous I’ll let my emotion get the best of me, I visualize the “ideal” me. in other words, I imagine what I would do, say, and be if I could control myself entirely. I also try to think about what I want out of the situation and what type of reaction/handling would make me most proud of myself.

this type of approach doesn’t always work, because hey – life gets in the way. BUT, it does work more times than not and its positive impact reminds me just how powerful our minds can be. here’s how you can start visualizing better, smarter, and more effective approaches for yourself:

1. acknowledge that you want to have a specific approach or reaction to something. envision who it is that you would want to be if you were in your ideal state. this includes going through the types of things you’d say, your facial reactions and body language, and your overall reaction/interaction with others.
2. think through the best scenario possible, but also think about how you want to be if the worst case scenario unfolds. be prepared for the worst, but expect the best.
3. choose one focus word or term and stick to it. it can be anything, but it should remind you of what you’re trying to achieve. for example, I might want to choose the term “peacemaker” when I’m dealing with a toddler tantrum.

having a plan makes most things easier, and the same goes for being a better human/communicator/negotiator/whatever you want to be when you grow up. rachel roy was right – “I dress women the way I see them and the way I envision them from day one, thus my customer knows that what she is looking for she will get.”