Why creative visualization works?
Posted on September 07, 2016 by Anastasia Krasnoshtein, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Creative visualization as an essential part of a goal statement process
Sometimes called Guided meditation, sometimes Goal implementation intention, creative visualization is an essential part goal statement process. Some say this way one connects with a divine presence, others say it heals traumas. But there are better ways to explain why visualization works, and in scientific terms.
Selective attention
The real secret is that our brain is wired to notice familiar things. We pay attention to things, signs and sounds that are familiar to us or that we are looking for. This phenomenon is called “selective attention”. Notice how you start seeing everywhere the car you are about to buy. Or how you tend to see your ex- in a crowd when you just separated – your brain picks up on the familiar traits.
When you visualize something, you create a map for your brain, giving it direction in which to look for opportunities and possibilities, and what exactly to look for. You instruct it to direct attention to particular signs that can potentially take you to your goal. This is why detailed visualization is so important. The more clues you give to your brain, the better search result it will produce.
Right guiding
Of course, the right guidance is important for visualization. Coaching has produced many visualization techniques that will serve your particular goals, and help you to identify your ideal goal. Sessions that include visualization exercises provide great insights and serve as an anchor to the coaching process.
Training thoughts on the vision of a future goal and imagistic dreams are where the fuel for true innovations lies. Images precede words. Goal Implementation intention, visualizing goal and creating implementation strategy are ways to avoid obstacles. Keeps from getting discouraged. Ability to generate mental images is associated with optimism, and training in this ability can help people fight through depression.
