Many companies use vision statements as a way of projecting success.
Take Tom Watson, the founder of IBM. He based much of the success of his business on having a vision – an actual picture – of where he wanted his business to go and what it would be like once that dream was in place.
So, what about you? What’s your goal? When you visualize something, you’ve created a personal target for where you want to go. And when you realize this goal, it may not look exactly like you’d first envisioned it, but you will have made great achievements and realized unfathomable results. And yes, your career will soar.
Too often, visualization is squelched by naysayers, distractions and disappointments. But those who accept this as a reality of the journey and are still able to bounce back to their vision will achieve amazing outcomes. They use these setbacks as an opportunity to build their resiliency muscles and get stronger every day.
Wonder why some people seem to have it all?
It’s because they visualize big, big outcomes and they never let anyone, or anything, destroy that vision. This isn’t easy but you can do it.
If you need more proof of power, then here are just a few ways that visualization can help your career soar:
Visualization Is the Path to Professional Fulfillment: Many people take offense when they are told they should do the work they love.
“That’s impossible,” they exclaim. “I have to pay my bills.”
“Those jobs are not hanging on trees.”
“I’ve tried before, but my job search isn’t working.”
I realize this isn’t easy, but I do know that it’s doable. And you do too. Motivational guru Brian Tracy says if you’re not doing what you love, you’re just marking time and have no future. There are a lot of people who agree with him. The experts, and millionaires, say this over and over again. He also reminds that “the biggest thing that holds you back from moving in the direction of your dreams is usually your favorite excuses and lack of self-discipline.”
Still, it’s harsh to hear when we try and don’t get the results we expect. The thing is, there are too many folks who have proven visualization works. They’ve moved out of their comfort zone and went for their dreams. Hey, you’re talking to one. I could tell you stories of mistakes and let-downs along my way. But that’s not what you need. You need to know that you can. You need to know that it’s doable. It may not happen tomorrow and yes you will need to put in the work and take some risks. But if you want it bad enough, it will happen.
Visualization Combats Fear of Failure: The single greatest obstacle to success and happiness is fear of failure. When we are afraid of failing, we just don’t try. This is a sad place to be. But I know that it’s not who you are.
As a reader of my blogs and as a career-minded professional, you’re willing to try. You get up each day and give it your all and make great things happen. Though sometimes it’s easier than the day before, you’re not afraid of failing or you wouldn’t try at all.
I’m proud of you. Fear of failure is not standing in your way. Anyone who is successful and happy (however you define this) is not afraid to try. That’s all I’m asking of you today—to try!
Visualization Creates Your Reality: There is a golden truth about thought: You are what you think. So why not think what you want? Listen, science has proven that if you think you’re ill, chances are you will become sick. But if you think you’re happy, you will be transformed into that state.
This is a hard concept to grasp because it seems so esoteric, but everyone, including the wealthy and successful, believes it to be true. Just ask Napoleon Hill the author of Think and Grow Rich. If that book doesn’t convince you that your thoughts have power, I don’t know what will.
Try your very best to think about what you want every day. Whether that’s a happier career, more joy in your life, a new job, a new relationship or a more secure future. Even if it seems small—an answer to a problem or a new title—think about what you want. And start attracting opportunities your way.
And think what you want day in and day out and see if it takes you closer and closer to that reality. Remember, doubt and uncertainty will stop the good energy from moving forward. So, when in doubt, stop and think what you want.
Visualization Combats Your Inner Critic: This is one of the most common obstacles we hurdle every day—our inner critic. It doesn’t matter who we are or what we do, we all have one and our inner critic can play some nasty head games.
Recently, I facilitated a program on this topic—it’s one that I present often and love to do so because it’s so relevant. But I also enjoy (and honor) the fact that professionals are willing to attend and readily admit this inner challenge. You can’t deny it exists, but how do you quiet its voice and turn it into your inner champion? It’s not easy. But trust me, it’s doable. I spend a lot of time working on this transformation with my clients through visualization.
Staying true to the possibilities and accepting your inner critic’s voice as a challenge to be proven wrong will keep you motivated. Don’t give into this voice as it is the one that will pull you off course. Instead accept it, recognize it for what it is and then go back to your vision and stay the course. I promise that voice will become fainter and fainter in time.
Visualization Increases Accountability: Career coaches often ask their clients to create a vision statement for capitalizing on their strengths. They may also encourage the use of vision boards for those who are more, well, visual.However you define success it’s important to begin with a vision. Both Michael Gerber, the author of the E-Myth, and Richard Bolles, the creator of What Color is Your Parachute? encourage professionals to journal and brainstorm a vision to get started on a success path. Whether you’re an author, a C.E.O., an engineer or just getting started in your career, think of where you want to go and always visualize yourself achieving the dream.
To help you start formulating your vision, consider the following questions:
- What do I wish my life to look life?
- How do I wish my life to be on a day-to-day basis?
- What would I like to achieve?
- What would I like to be known for?
- How would I like to interact with other people in my life—my family, my friends, my business associates, my customers, my employees, my community?
- How would I like people to think of me?
- What would I like to be doing 2 years from now? 10 years? 20 years? And when my life comes to a close?
- What specifically would I like to learn during my life—spiritually, physically, financially, technically, intellectually?
- My ultimate career goal is…
Take some time to quietly ponder these questions, then write down your answers. By slowing down the mental process through writing (not typing), you’ll begin to formulate a vision that you can include in your career plan, journal or to hang on your office wall. Next set some quarterly goals around your vision and revisit them on a regular basis to benchmark your progress.
I hope this article provided you with a few applicable ideas for succeeding in an interview. I would be honored if you shared this on social media. And speaking of sharing, please share your own ideas and experiences below. Together, we can build a happier career community that focuses on supporting each other’s success.
How to Be Career Happy? Visualize Your Success
I hope this article provided you with a few applicable ideas for success. I would be honored if you shared this on social media. And speaking of sharing, please share your own ideas and experiences below. Together, we can build a happier career community.
Photo Source: Photodune