Kirwan Rockefeller, Ph.D., WIA/TAA Academic Advisor at the University of California, Irvine Extension, is the author of “Visualize Confidence: How to Use Guided Imagery to Overcome Self-Doubt,” and is the co-editor of “Psychology, Spirituality and Healthcare,” Volume 2 of the 3-volume series, “Whole Person Healthcare.” He is the former editor of The California Psychologist (2007-2012). Dr. Rockefeller received his PhD from Saybrook University (where he is adjunct faculty); his M.P.A. from the University of Washington, and his B.A. from the University of Richmond, Virginia. He has a Level I Certification from the Academy of Guided Imagery. www.kirwanrockefellerphd.com Dr. Rockefeller will be providing a series of blogs on utilizing the imagination for personal transformation.
Perhaps you’ve heard the old phrase, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Have you ever remodeled a room? Planned a vacation? Have you ever applied for a new job, asked the boss for a raise, prepared to make a speech in public, or worried about a difficult conversation in the future? Any activity that requires you to plan ahead all begins with a picture in your mind, or an image.
A mental image, projected onto the movie screen of your mind conveys a wealth of information. It sums up all your attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, and ideas about how you will, or will not, act in any given situation. The movie in your mind tells a story, complete with a cast of characters that has a beginning, middle and an end. If you believe you don’t have confidence or that you can’t think outside the box, the chances of you being successful become slim.
To achieve, you have to believe. It’s that simple. If you can imagine yourself successfully doing something difficult or challenging, you’ll have a much better chance of making it happen, because you’ll have confidence in your ability to succeed.
Whether it’s auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance, asking the boss for a raise, dating after a divorce, following The Top Ten Steps of your creative imagination, you too can live the life you’ve always imagined.
Each week we’ll review one of the top ten steps. Let’s begin with Step One:
1. Imagine, in as much detail as you can, the outcome you’re seeking. Use your imagination to hear the roar of applause, the taste of the champagne, the pat on your back, or someone saying “job well done.” Be clear and specific; every day imagine yourself with the feelings, sensations and attitudes that go along with your desired outcome as if you have already achieved that goal. Using powerful brain scanning technology, scientists have recorded the activity that takes place in the brain when we’re using visualization and imagery. What this means is that the body and the mind don’t know the difference between imagined events and real events. When you access your creative imagination for inner awareness, your confidence will communicate to you through images, words, thoughts, sensations or feelings.
The accompanying photo raises the question: “Do you believe you can or you can’t Every action begins first with an image in your mind. When the time comes, jump for it.”
Stay tuned for Step Two when we talk about that nagging voice inside your head. You know the one!
I invite readers to comment below on today’s Blog entry.