“You become what you think about most of the time.” — Earl Nightingale
“What images are you holding in your mind right now? Are they aligned with the life you want to create?”
If someone had asked me that question a few years ago, I would’ve realized something important: I was unknowingly holding onto images of arguments, failures, and fears. I would mentally rehearse future arguments with people I had clashed with in the past, dreading how those interactions might play out. And guess what? Time and time again, I’d find myself in those same arguments, trapped in a frustrating cycle that felt impossible to escape.
It wasn’t until I started understanding the power of visualization that things changed. I realized that our minds don’t just replay the past—they also have the power to shape the future. But it all depends on the images we feed them. Visualization isn’t just about daydreaming; it’s about intentionally plugging into the life you want and rewiring your brain to focus on the reality you’re trying to create.
What Is Visualization, and Why Does It Matter?
Visualization is more than just imagining yourself on a yacht or picturing your dream job. It’s about training your brain to focus on what you want, rather than what you fear. It’s about creating mental blueprints for your goals, so when the time comes to take action, your brain already knows the way.
Think of visualization as plugging into the energy and experiences of your dream life, sending a clear signal to the universe (and your subconscious mind) about where you’re headed.
The Two Types of Visualization: Outcome vs. Process
To visualize effectively, it’s important to understand the difference between outcome visualization and process visualization.
- Outcome Visualization: Seeing the End Goal
This type of visualization is about imagining the final result. You might picture yourself living in New York, running a successful business, or giving a powerful speech on stage. Outcome visualization is great for boosting motivation because it gives your brain a clear destination to aim for. Example: Visualize yourself at the top of the mountain, feeling the pride and joy of achieving your goal. Imagine the sights, the sounds, and the emotions of that moment. - Process Visualization: Rehearsing the Journey
While outcome visualization shows you where you want to go, process visualization helps you mentally rehearse the steps you’ll take to get there. This is where the magic really happens because it prepares your brain for action. Example: If your goal is to run a marathon, process visualization might include picturing yourself waking up early, lacing up your running shoes, and pushing through those tough training runs.
The Science Behind Visualization
Why does visualization work? It’s not magic—it’s neuroscience.
When you vividly imagine something, your brain activates the same neural pathways it would if you were actually experiencing it. Over time, this creates a mental map that makes it easier to take real-world action.
Visualization also activates the Reticular Activating System (RAS)—the brain’s filter that determines what information gets through to your conscious mind. Once you start visualizing your goals, your RAS will help you notice opportunities, connections, and resources that align with your vision.
The Images You Hold in Your Mind Matter
Here’s the thing: whether you realize it or not, you’re already visualizing every day. The question is, are you visualizing what you want—or what you fear?
If you’re constantly imagining worst-case scenarios, replaying past arguments, or worrying about failure, you’re essentially training your brain to focus on those things. And what you focus on, you create more of.
I learned this lesson the hard way. For years, I unknowingly rehearsed arguments in my head, and those arguments kept playing out in real life. It wasn’t until I became aware of the images I was holding in my mind that I was able to break the cycle and create a new reality.
5 Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Visualization Practice
If you’re ready to start visualizing with intention, here are some practical tips to help you get started:
- Create a Visualization Routine
Set aside a few minutes every morning and evening to visualize your goals. These times are especially powerful because your brain is in a more suggestible state. - Surround Yourself with What You Want to Achieve
If you dream of living in New York, immerse yourself in that world. Watch documentaries, follow NY-based pages, and listen to stories about life in the city. Look up places you’d like to visit and write short stories about your future experiences there. Yes, it takes effort—but it’s worth it. Your brain is used to running wild, and it’s up to you to direct it. - Write It Down
There’s something powerful about putting your vision into words. Write detailed descriptions of your ideal life, using all your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, and feel in this future reality? This practice, known as scripting, can make your visualizations even more vivid and effective. - Visualize the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Don’t just picture yourself at the finish line—visualize yourself taking the steps to get there. This will prepare your brain for the journey and help you stay motivated when things get tough. - Feel the Emotions
The key to effective visualization is feeling the emotions as if your goal has already been achieved. How would it feel to be living your dream life? Tap into that feeling and let it fill you up.
Common Visualization Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Visualizing Without Action
Visualization is a powerful tool, but it won’t work unless you take action. Use your visualizations as a guide—and then start taking small steps toward your goals. - Focusing on Fear-Based Images
If you catch yourself visualizing failure or worst-case scenarios, pause and redirect your focus to what you want to create. - Lack of Consistency
Visualization is like a muscle—you have to use it regularly to see results. Stay consistent, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
Visualization Exercise: Plugging Into Your Dream Life
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple exercise you can do right now:
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
- Picture your ideal day. What do you see, hear, smell, and feel?
- Visualize yourself taking the steps to create that day.
- Hold that image for a few moments, feeling the emotions as if it’s already real.
Conclusion: You Are the Creator of Your Reality
Visualization is one of the most powerful tools you have for creating the life you want. By becoming aware of the images you hold in your mind and visualizing with intention, you can rewire your brain, tap into new opportunities, and turn your dreams into reality.
So, ask yourself today: What images am I holding in my mind—and are they helping me create the life I want?
With all my heart,
Salima
