You are sitting on the bank of a small stream on a checkered blanket. A picnic of breads, cheeses, luscious fruits, a fine bottle of your favorite wine, and the person of your dreams surround you.

You are listening to your favorite music on a small portable CD player. The music only adds to the beauty and intensity of the moment. You lean back on the blanket as the other person gently kisses you on the lips and offers you a sip of wine. You are lightheaded from the moment, the music, the surrounding nature, the sound of the babbling stream, and the touch of another person's hand on the side of your face. You lie back and close your eyes and enjoy this perfect moment in time.

Were you there? Could you see yourself lying next to the stream? Could you taste the fruit? This story is just one simple example of the powers of visualization on your attitude, your self-esteem, and indeed, your life.

The Power of Visualization

Visualization and daydreaming seem to be the same, but they are not the same. Visualization is a focused activity on a planned goal. It is more than just sitting back in a chair and dreaming about the clouds or the end of the workday, it is about creating a goal and seeing yourself obtaining the goal. It is about having a plan in place that is going to afford you the opportunity to reach your intended destiny.

Visualization in the “Real World”

Athletes have used visualization for centuries. They are trained to see themselves as winners. They can actually see themselves crossing the goal line, hitting the home run, skiing the perfect downhill, or swimming the fastest lap. They see it, they feel it, and they believe it. They visualize their success.

While mental practice is not as widely used as physical endurance preparation and strength training, many coaches use it. They suggest that creating positive mental images help them see themselves as successful.

Not only do athletes use visualization to help them succeed, but businesspeople, public speakers, physicians, salespeople, writers, and a plethora of other professionals do as well. Imagining yourself achieving the thing that you want as if it already exists helps make it possible for it to actually happen.