Positive visualization - the way to enjoy the journey
"The journey is more important than final destination."
Positive visualization , what a simple and liberating concept. A few years ago I used to see life as a massive race where the finish line would be achieving all my dreams. In this fantasy game I'd have to run quickly and fight hard to achieve a long and lasting happiness. When this day finally comes, all my problems would be solved and I would be able to live happily ever after.
However what I've learnt over the years is: this framework is the quickest route to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Check out how to avoid falling into this dangerous trap.
Essential positive visualization steps to enjoy the journey:
- Remove any conditions to feel good now: Visualize what is positive today. We all have big aspirations and plans and it makes sense to work hard to get what you want. But focusing only on the long term future is the easiest way to a have miserable life. It's guaranteed to feel unsatisfied, anxious and miss the best things life can offer you right now. When we set ourselves too high standards and expectations it's easy to get frustrated.
- Enjoy the simple things: So whilst it's valid to "think big", we have to remember we can (and should) "think small" to feel good. The best things in life are free, no money can buy. Once we realize that, we can lower our expectations, slow our pace and enjoy the simple things in life, instead of postponing our happiness to a day that might never come. It's a very simple concept: live in the present and enjoy the best it can offer.
- Focus on the process, not on the final destination: that's the essential principle. Have a positive visualization about your life, your work and see yourself feeling good in the process. Invest your time, energy and focus on the process, and not so much on the outcome. It's important to have a goal, a direction, an objective, however we don't have full control of the results and the external circumstances. So the best you can do is .... to do your best, without looking at the score. Once you immerse yourself in steps of the journey we feel satisfied and content, regardless of the result. If we win, great; if not, we learn and move on to a new direction, to a new journey.
- Relax: Go out for a walk, give that old friend a call, stop for a coffee, listen to your favorite music on your way to work, go to the cinema, admire nature.
And the funny thing is, when we focus on what is happening now, and on the small little steps you can take to make a difference to your life, the big dreams naturally come true. So aim high, but enjoy the journey and feel good now!
Success and Happiness are two different things. Success is the direction, happiness is a state of mind.
Essential self improvement resources on positive visualization:
- DVD: Status anxiety - Alain de Botton classic documentary DVD on why status drive us anxious and what can we do to change it. Also available in book format.
- Book: Awaken the Giant Within - Tony Robbins masterpiece on continuous and never ending improvement, but always having fun and feeling good
- Book: Consolations of Philosophy - how the great masters in Philosophy can improve your day to day life
- Ebook: The Simple Guide to a Minimalistic Life by Leo Babauta, explains how to simplify and live better
- Quote: "Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time." Steven Wright
- Video: How to focus on the process and plug into your hard-wired happiness by Srikumar Rao:
