Achieving a goal is difficult enough if it is not mapped out, but it is more difficult still if it is not real enough. Successful people make their goals real through emotion. They involve their senses. They create images and pictures of success and accomplishment. It’s those pictures that supply them with the incentive to stay the course until they’ve accomplished what they set out to do.
If you have any hope of reaching your goals you must involve your senses. They can be a powerful tool, motivating you and creating the self-discipline you need.
One of the best methods to create your vision is to write a vision statement in a journal or diary. This process takes time, but is well worth the effort. You should write with conviction. Write as if you were creating a picture. For example, if your dream is to lose weight, you should write down how you will feel once you’ve shed those pounds. Use your imagination and picture that future slim you as you gaze at it in your mirror. See yourself fitting into those old clothes you used to wear. Hear the accolades of your friends as they comment on your appearance at the office and social events. Imagine how good food will taste and smell.
You should put into your vision statement all the advantages of losing those pounds like avoiding diabetes and heart disease. Include things like how much money you will save when you eat out less often and avoid the fast food joints. Use your imagination and list all those rewards and advantages you can think of. Then write down the disadvantages and compare the two lists.
Once you’ve written down your vision, include some photographs or illustrations of those people you admire who have achieved what you hope to accomplish. Cut out those photos and put them into your journal or scrapbook. Write out positive statements to yourself and post them throughout the house wherever you can see them. This technique works well no matter what your goal may be.
Fill in the details of the steps you need to take to reach your goal. Include those items that hold you back. If weight loss is what you’re after, you may want to take cooking classes to learn how to cook nutritious and low calorie foods. Put down the nutritionists and dietitians you need to work with to help you lose weight. Include the clubs, associations and support groups that can assist you.
Get involved with those friends and associations that have the same goals in mind. Companionship and company help to build a sensory rich experience. They make your goal both real and achievable.
Constantly read your vision statement every day. What you want to do is internalize it. You want to instruct your subconscious that you will achieve the goals you set. And the only way to do it is through constant repetition and practice. Once you’ve internalized your goals, your subconscious will go to work to open up possibilities. It becomes easier to achieve when you believe in your goals.
Never give up. Perseverance is a major key to success in any endeavor. There will always be times when you will want to give up. Setbacks and failures will happen, but they should never deter you from achieving your goal. Only a strong vision filled with emotion will help carry you through those difficult periods. Remind yourself that you are not perfect and it is okay to expect some setbacks. Nothing worthwhile ever comes without effort and many failures.
Creating a sensory rich vision will help you develop self-discipline. It’s a key ingredient that determines how successful your outcome will be. So involve your senses and your emotions as you work toward your goal.
