Welcome, dear listeners, to this episode of Insights with Dr D. , where we dive deep into the wonders of the mind and uncover how we can tap into our inner power.
Today, we're exploring a topic close to my heart: Harnessing the Power of Creative Visualization to reach your dreams. I talk about this over and over in my masterclasses and courses. To me, this is a fundamental cornerstone of achievement.
That, and I really needed to somehow legitimize my lifelong habit of daydreaming. But make no mistake, dear listener, behind this seemingly whimsical pursuit lies a profound truth: creative visualization is a potent force for reshaping our realities and manifesting our deepest desires. If you want to reach a goal or dream you have to see it. And creative visualization is the best way to do that.
So, what is creative visualization? Think of it like this: you're lounging on a beach, feeling the sand between your toes, sipping on a cold drink, and soaking in the sun. Feel the sand and the heat, taste that cold drink. Got that picture in your head?
Well, congrats my friend, you just did some creative visualization! It's basically using your imagination to manifest what you want in life. But hey, it's not just wishful thinking; it's strategic daydreaming— daydreaming with a purpose, or as I like to call it, "dreaming with your eyes wide open."
The benefits of daydreaming you are on a beach with a cocktail? Stress reduction! Impetus to get your butt in gear! Imagining yourself in a different circumstances. The smile which forms on your face, which in turn releases neurotransmitters which make the smile genuine, not a fake one.
Now, why does this stuff actually work? Blame it on your brain. Seriously, our brains are like, "What's real? What's not? Who cares?" Ever woken up from a dream mad at someone for something they did in your dream? Yeah, my husband gets the brunt of that too. Our brains can't tell the difference between imagination and reality. And that's where creative visualization comes in to play. By vividly imagining our goals, we trick our brains into thinking they're totally achievable, and voila, we start spotting opportunities left and right.
But how do we harness this power? First step: clarity. You need to know what you want. "I want to be happy" is great, but you need to define your goals with precision. Want a new job? Visualize walking into your new office, sitting down at your desk, feeling the satisfaction of doing work you love.
Define the details of your desired outcome, such as the type of job, income level, lifestyle, or personal achievements you aim for.
The more details, the better. I go over this in my FREE masterclass, Goal Setting techniques that actually work – you can get access at www.danaprophet.org/goals. This is a 6 video series, but don’t let that scare you, it is only ABOUT 30 MINUTES IN TOTAL so you can get back to binge-watching your fave shows in no time. Plus, there's a free workbook and some other goodies to keep you on track. Shameless plug, I know, but hey, a girl's gotta eat, right? You can find the url for this class on the same page you are listening to this podcast from.
So back to creative visualization:
Next up, emotion. This isn't just about seeing stuff; it's about feeling it in your bones. it's about infusing your mental imagery with intense, heartfelt emotions. When you imagine yourself achieving your goals, tap into the feelings of joy, excitement, pride, and fulfillment that you would experience in that moment.
Emotion adds depth and authenticity to your visualizations, making them more potent and compelling. By connecting emotionally with your dreams, you send a powerful signal to your subconscious mind, reinforcing your belief in your ability to manifest your desires.
Picture the rush of holding your first published book, the sheer pride of crossing that marathon finish line, or the warm fuzzies from seeing your fam all happy and healthy. By connecting emotionally with your dreams, you send a powerful signal to your subconscious mind, reinforcing your belief in your ability to manifest your desires.
And hey, consistency is key. This isn't a one-and-done deal, folks. Like any skill or habit, it requires regular practice and reinforcement to yield meaningful results.. Whether you're a morning person or a night owl, take a few minutes every day to get lost in your dream world. It's like watering a plant; you’ve gotta do it regularly if you want it to grow.
Set aside dedicated time each day to immerse yourself in your vision, whether it's through meditation, journaling, or simply quiet reflection. Consistency helps embed your goals and aspirations into your subconscious mind, making them a natural part of your thought patterns and behavior. By consistently reinforcing your dreams, you keep them at the forefront of your consciousness and maintain momentum toward their realization.
But here's the kicker: visualization isn't a magic pill. It's more like a kick in the pants to get off your butt and make stuff happen. Visualize your dream life, sure, but then roll up your sleeves and get to work. Dream it, feel it, then hustle for it.
Action is where the rubber meets the road. Once you've clarified your vision, infused it with emotion, and practiced consistency in your visualization routine, it's time to take decisive action toward making your dreams a reality. Break down your goals into actionable steps and commit to taking consistent, purposeful action toward their attainment. Whether it's networking, skill-building, seeking opportunities, or overcoming obstacles, proactive steps are essential for translating your visions into tangible results. Creative visualization provides the roadmap, but it's your actions that pave the way toward success.
Here’s a story about my life: a couple of decades ago, I wrote a fun little book called the Little Guide to Big Happiness. In this book , I wrote about changing your life! Because I wanted to change my life. So, I wrote about all the steps one needs to make a proactive change in their life. Everything from creative visualization to goal setting to meditation to hustling and everything in between, All in this itty bitty pocket sized guidebook.
And then I didn’t follow my own advice. It like I thought just writing it was enough or something. And guess what? My life did not change. I mean, well it kinda did, I moved to a new town, got a new job which really did put me on a new path, but I just kind of rode that wave, you know – I didn’t actively follow my own steps. And then I forgot about the book. Like, literally forgot that I wrote a book. ADHD, anyone?
So there I was, surfing through life, but I didn’t feel like I was in charge of my own destiny. I didn’t feel like I was reaching my own potential. And the dreams and goals that I had previously for myself didn’t fit into the current life I was living. So I was getting bored and unfulfilled and eventually pretty resentful and angry. And – daydreaming and wishful thinking even more – but using my creative visualization as escapism, not doing anything about it.
I was the queen of dreaming about making money, having my own business, being creative, traveling, shoes - you know – the things we all dream about. But I was not one iota closer to those dreams. I was just wasting time.
And then the illnesses struck. Stress induced auto-immune illnesses. About a million of them. Lupus, Psoriatic Arthritis. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (Say that three times fast). They found a perfect partner in me. Let’s have an excuse not to do anything about my life! Keep a full time job? Nope – I am too exhausted. Start a business? Not with the joint pain I feel everyday! Write? Sorry, too much brain fog to even remember my name, let alone write it down!
But ultimately, I couldn’t be a victim of them for too long. Long enough, and some might say even too long, but not forever. I got up. I started dreaming again, but with purpose. With goals. With determination.
And then I remembered my book. And I re-read it. And I got it. And I haven’t looked back! Because I am GOOD at dreaming. I am good at creative visualization – we all are! It’s not a skill that most people have to be trained at. It isn’t a skill you have to be educated too much on. It’s something that the majority of us do naturally – so why not use it to your advantage! And, when you are caught daydreaming at work or school, just tell them: Hey! I am actively planning my future! (That may or may not work, depending on your boss).
if you would like more information on my pocket guide ebook, The Little Guide to BIG Happiness, go to my website at www.danaprophet.org/LittleGuide. You can also find it on the Amazon or Barnes and Noble websites. You’ll find the urls on the same page you accessed this podcast!>
So you may be wondering, “all this stuff about creative visualization is great Dr D, but where do I even start?”
I say, Start small, dream big, and remember, the only limit is your imagination. And maybe your willingness to act on that imagination. What does this mean, start small, dream big?
Every monumental achievement begins with a single step. Starting small means breaking down your grand vision into manageable, bite-sized goals that you can tackle with confidence. It's about taking incremental actions that gradually move you closer to your ultimate aspirations. By focusing on achievable milestones, you build momentum, gain valuable experience, and cultivate a sense of accomplishment that fuels your motivation. Starting small also mitigates the risk of feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, making it easier to stay committed to your journey over the long term.
But, while starting small is important for making progress, dreaming big is what ignites your passion and drives you to reach for the stars. Dreaming big involves daring to envision possibilities beyond your current circumstances and limitations.
It's about embracing audacious goals that stretch your imagination and challenge your perceived boundaries. By dreaming big, you expand your horizons, tap into your full potential, and inspire yourself to aim higher than you ever thought possible. Big dreams have the power to inspire innovation, spark creativity, and propel you toward extraordinary achievements that surpass even your wildest expectations.
Your imagination is a limitless reservoir of creativity, innovation, and possibility. It knows no bounds and holds the key to unlocking infinite potential within you. The only limits that exist are those you impose upon yourself—whether through fear, self-doubt, or lack of belief in your abilities. By harnessing the power of your imagination, you can envision new realities, explore alternative pathways, and manifest your deepest dreams. Embrace the freedom to dream without constraints and trust in the transformative power of your imagination to shape the course of your life.
In closing, creative visualization is a powerful technique not just for achieving our goals but for creating a life full of joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Clarity sets the direction, emotion fuels the journey, consistency maintains momentum, and action brings your dreams to life. By integrating these elements into your creative visualization practice, you empower yourself to unlock your full potential and create the life you desire.
Thanks for tuning in today. I hope you leave this episode a little more inspired, a bit more curious, and with a smile on your face, ready to visualize and chase after your dreams. Until next time, keep dreaming with your eyes wide open!