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.” This is the tenth installment in Dr. Rockefeller’s series of blogs on utilizing the imagination for personal transformation through imagery
Baby steps, baby steps, baby steps.
Congratulations! Over the course of the past 10 weeks, you’ve followed the top ten steps to thinking outside the box, and accessing the power of your creative imagination.
You imagined, in as much detail as you can, the outcome you’re seeking. You learned to quiet the Inner Critic, how not to dismiss the first thoughts that come to your mind as silly or impossible. You now believe you can, and you act as if you’ve already reached your desired goal. You know that whatever you focus on becomes magnified; you are optimistic and see the glass as half-full. You have practiced letting your imagination soar and you have surrounded yourself with personal champions, people who support you. They are your own cheerleading Board of Directors. You are daily quieting your mind and body, and now you take action steps. With a solid foundation, you’re now ready to put into motion all that you’ve mentally prepared for.
At this important time, recognize that you will need to take small, incremental steps, one at a time, to reach your goal. Like a child who must learn to crawl before they can walk, go confidently in the direction of your dreams, one foot in front of the other. One day soon, you’ll go from the crawl, to tentative steps, to running and then on to a full on sprint to the finish line! And when you’re able to run: Go For It! You are the producer, director, screenwriter, and actor of your own life. Allow your creative imagination to soar and take you to new perceptions, new attitudes, new beliefs, new thoughts, and ultimately new action.
As Marianne Williamson says, “Who are you not to be fabulous!? …. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.” Don’t allow the false fear of failure to hold you back. As Babe Ruth said, “When it’s your turn at bat … go for a grand slam.”
Imagine the big picture and ask, “How does this fit into the grand scheme of my life?” Find your own confidence style; the unique way you do things. Perhaps your confidence is quiet and resourceful, not loud and brash. Be aware of the self-images you have of yourself and how they play out in your life. Recognize that these self-images “are worth a thousand words.” They have power and intention.
And remember, you do have the power to consciously create and live the life you’ve always imagined.