A Simple Way To Boost The Effectiveness Of Visualisations (or "Envisualisations")

This is a really quick and simple tip.

If you are trying to visualise something that has not yet happened and you are struggling to create a mental image, there is an additional visual image that you can create that can massively boost the effectiveness of your visualisation.

Imagine the reaction of someone you know well to the outcome of whatever it is that you are visualising. Make sure that there is context to the visualisation so that the reaction could clearly only have occurred if your desired outcome has been achieved, but if you can make this real enough in your mind it can help a lot.

Why does this work? There are a number of reasons, with the following two being at the top of the list:

First, it's a people focus. As human beings we respond well to the reactions of other human beings, so there is an innate, emotional response that is created by thinking about other people's reactions to something.

Second, it's easier to imagine a scenario that is "real" in your mind. You can imagine the real person, in a real location, using expressions that they often use, to make the visual image far more grounded, easier to recall and more believable.

Third, it's easier to focus on the outcome without being tempted to try to work out how to get there. This way, you can leave your subconscious to work out how to get there rather than confusing your thoughts with details that aren't important for this exercise. Even if in order to achieve the visualisation you need to do a lot of conscious thinking, while you are visualising it you should not: you should be focussed on the experience and feelings of the moment that you want to create.

Give it a go: you'll be amazed by how effective it can be.