Top 10 Fitness Commandments #3: Visualization

As part of this series of the top 10 health commandments, I would like to take time and discuss visualization. Once decisions have been made or when in the process of making changes in our routine or life, it can become easy to get distracted. Whether something else or someone else begins to pull our attentions away from the goal or opportunity that lies ahead for us, it is incredibly important to persist. In doing so, we implement the practice of visualization.

Visualization, also called mental imagery, is when we using our mind or mind’s eye to

visualize what we are going or trying to accomplish. It can be a very effective tool when learning something new or when in the midst of accomplishing a goal. For example, when I was thinking about going back to school to pursue my doctorate of physical therapy, it was one thing to want it, but it was another thing to decide and act on it. It was also another thing to continue to make the daily steps that would ensure I would actually graduate. In order to keep my focus each and every day, I visualized myself walking across the graduation stage and how it might look. I also continued that visualization practice all the through my passing the board exam. Visualization can be the thing that connects you to your actual goal or vision. When you are connected to the goal or vison you are more likely to take the steps to overcoming any adversity that may be ahead.

When deciding to create a life for ourselves, we have the power of looking into our future and determining what we would like that future life to look like. Whether we use this for building our knowledge base, gaining the education level we so desire, a fitness program that works for us, or even building a lifestyle, the key to making the visualization process successful is that we must assign tasks and deadlines in order to create our internal visualization into a living reality. That is the key strength to this element and why this is on the list as a fitness commandment.

Action Step:

Think of something you have not yet achieved but something you would like to achieve. It can be something small like having a really romantic dinner with a spouse. It can be something big like starting your own business. Whatever that “thing” is, begin to visualize its location, who is around you, what cloths you may be wearing, the time of day, sunset or sun rise. Put as many details or lack thereof into your minds eyes and connect with it. Now begin to make the decisions and take the action steps that will turn your vision into a reality!