How Visualization Can HelpYou Build a Better Career

Many people use this technique with remarkable success. People like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods, and Sara Blakely. Should you be doing it? And if you do it, how will it help you build a better career?

For those of you who are unfamiliar with visualization, some people call it positive thinking, others refer to it as the law of attraction. But basically, it’s picturing in your mind, what you want to happen. Like the outcome of a negotiation, sport competition, or speech. Let’s look at what visualization requires because the good news is that anyone can learn visualization.

As with many things in life, time is a requirement. You begin by carving out time in a quiet space free of interruptions and focus on exactly the outcome that you want from a particular activity. You want to be specific. Just like any other skill, the more you practice, the better you become. So go to a quiet place, practice mindfulness, be present, and be specific about what you want.

Let’s look at some areas where visualization can help you build a better career.

1. During a negotiation for a contract. Where will the meeting take place? Who will be there? What are their behavioral styles? Part of preparing for such events is understanding people and their different behavioral and communication styles. Therefore, when you visualize yourself responding correctly to each behavioral style, you will be in a stronger position, have better command of the process, and feel less stress. What outcomes do you want, but also what are you and what are you not prepared to compromise on?
2. A sales presentation is a great activity to practice visualization. How will you describe your service or product? What are its best features? How will you overcome its weak areas and of course, objections? Visualization is an excellent tool to use for any type of presentation. Professional public speakers use visualization on a regular basis.
3. Asking for a raise is a perfect opportunity to use visualization. What will you wear? Remember, just as in the theatre, you want to dress for the role you want to play. How will you present your case for being worth a raise? How will you counter objections? How will you manage success or disappointment?
4. Making a career decision is also an excellent time to use visualization. Here the idea is to think about how you want to spend your day. Do you want to be around a lot of people? Do you like to do research in a quiet place all alone? What would the culture and environment be like or different for each of those scenarios? Visualizing yourself in every aspect of your day is an effective way to understand your perfect working environment.

Whether you experience success or a temporary setback in your career, visualize how you will move forward. Remember, when we implement tools such as visualization, we’re sending our subconscious mind messages for it to act on. No doubt you can think of many other ways to use visualization in building a better career. If you would like more information on Building a Better Career, Let’s Get Started!

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