I like to attach my feelings when I sit down to set goals, using the creative visualization technique. Creative visualization is very simple. It is the ability to imagine what you really want as though it were already so. It is not forced--you simply use your imagination. It feels real because you imagine that it either is happening or has already happened. The technique has been around for quite some time, has been researched thoroughly, and its usefulness has been demonstrated. For example, creative visualization is a popular technique to use with seasoned athletes when they are preparing for competition.
If you want to achieve something through creative visualization, you need to energize your thoughts. You can do this by generating positive and happy feelings of success and happiness and then associating them with your goals.
Grab a sheet of paper and begin by writing a letter to yourself or someone who deeply cares for you and who would be excited to hear about the wonderful things that happen to you. This exercise helps you to visualize how you want 2018 to end up and what wonderful things you want to make happen for yourself. Adhere as close as possible to the following guidelines:
Make believe that it is one year from today and you are reflecting back on the previous year and reviewing all the fantastic events, accomplishments and joy that you experienced.
As you are writing, notice how you feel with each reflection of a goal achieved. If your writing brings about an exceptionally good feeling, that is likely something that speaks to your spirit and your purpose. If, on the other hand, something you write conjures up negative feelings, frustration or overwhelm, just let it go for the moment and bring your focus back on the things that bring you joy.
Be as specific as possible with as many details as you can.
What’s surprising is that as you do this, new ideas will pop into your head that you had not previously thought of.
Following is an example letter that another solopreneur wrote to herself:
Dear Camille,
I have had the most mind-blowing year! I set goals in January and many of them have already been achieved. 2018 brought many great gifts and a few challenges, and I have grown from them all.
First, I learned how to deal with adversity through a few things that went awry. Such as when both of my laptops broke during the same week. I was forced to learn the technical end of things. Now, I’m an expert at dealing with PC problems.
Next, I got my television show on the air. Though it started out slow, only airing to three million people in Northern California, it is now aired on national television! I am receiving letters from artists all over the country who are not only inspired by the show, but also energized by the idea that they, too, can earn a living doing what they love. This show has attracted like-minded sponsors who believe in our message on the show. They are covering practically all of our costs and have enabled us to create top-quality episodes that we are very proud of. We are being paid now to create this new art form that we have developed though television.
Another great outcome from my television show is that we have finally scattered the myth of what professional artists do all day. People are starting to understand that the business of art is really about connecting with people, doing the work you love, and executing it to your best ability. I am so happy that the stereotype of the “starving artist” is being thrown out the window.
We were able to sign on several large clients this year as well. We are doing business with one of the top automobile companies and the oldest camera company in the United States. These partnerships have been lucrative for us, and now we are signing escrow papers for our dream house on the island.
I have developed powerful public speaking skills this year. I’m finally comfortable on camera and now it is actually fun for me to be filmed. That was the greatest milestone of all for me.
Thomas and I are having a lot of fun creating new things together and life is just getting better and better for our family.
Life is Good – your best friend - Camille
I share this with you as an example of how you can create your own letter to yourself. Just start dreaming, imagining and pretending, basically in answer to this question:
hat was a most excellent year. Well done!”
If you really want to send the letter to yourself, go to Future Me to enter it anonymously.
I reiterate: If you decide to set goals and use the creative visualization technique, it is important to realize that creative visualization is accomplished in the first person and in the present tense--something is happening to you now.
tomorrow’s blog post, we will dive into turning your vision into specific goals and then chunking them down for utmost impact and great results.
