If my mind can conceive it and my

heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.

Muhammad Ali

THE NEUROSCIENCE

We, as humans, are hard-wired to perform any well-developed or learned skill. Interest and motivation increase with competency. Competency requires repetition and rehearsal, and these take time. Is there an efficient method to accelerate the desired skill set? The answer is yes!

Originating from the brain are a set of 12 cranial nerves; each serving a different function for sense and/or movement. Of the 12, 6 cranial nerves innervate motor, sensory, and autonomic structures in the eyes. So... when half of the cranial nerves dedicate themselves, either partially or entirely, to vision, we cannot ignore the power of the visual system.

What we see in our mind's eye is truly powerful. The process of picturing or imagining things increases the potential for manifestation, mainly through the application of focus. Through focus, we obtain clarity.

VISUALIZING SUCCESS

Many are familiar with the concept of visualizing success, as the term has been part of the common vernacular of professional athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs for decades. To perform at one's highest level, one must get into the right mindset. The right mindset allows for a mental flow of ideas to generate.

The generation of ideas without the keen ability to organize them will eventually become a distraction to future pursuits. Visualization allows for a counterbalancing of generated thoughts by applying specificity and honing in on the one(s) of most importance and interest. As you focus on the targeted goal(s), the others will naturally move to the background and will not occupy your attention.

Key components involve imagery and mental rehearsal, as well as powerful self-talk. The language we use to narrate the imagery or visualization matters. Invoking as many senses as possible will strengthen the visualization or imagery. If you are about to get in front of an audience to deliver an important speech, then set the scene: See yourself walking confidently toward the podium, feel your body 'feeling powerful and relaxed', and hear the praise from the audience.

Visualization is also highly effective in improving a specific skill set. For example, a quarterback repeatedly visualizing the perfect pass will help him perform this skill while under pressure, such as on game day.

Mental visualization affects many cognitive processes such as motor control, perception, attention, memory and planning. Also, focus is enhanced with repeat visualizations. Create the clearest vision possible. If the picture is fuzzy, apply more focus!

THE STEPS TO A POWERFUL VISUALIZATION

The time designation devoted to your visualization is of your choosing, whether 5 or 50 minutes. The benefits accrue with each practice, regardless of the amount of time spent.

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place where you will not be disturbed.

2. Focus your attention on the goal. What is the desired outcome?

3. Breathe naturally; find your calm.

4. Begin to piece together, image by image, the details (from beginning to end) leading to success.

5. Insert positive emotions and self-talk in the dialogue of this mental rehearsal.

6. See the final successful outcome, clearly.

BECOME TOTALLY IMMERSED IN YOUR FINAL DESIRED OUTCOME!

WHAT ABOUT CREATING A VISION BOARD?

A vision board is a conglomeration of images that features your goals. There's no limit to what you can post on your board and the only criterion is that it has to be something you really and truly want. If you don't desire it and it doesn't matter, don't include it. The vision board relates to your life's direction. We are shaped by the way we think. Reserve 5 minutes each morning and visit and view your board. The magic in the vision board is you will start to notice your life, imperceptibly at first, move in the direction of the actualization of your goals.