Do You Have Trouble Visualizing?

Can technology help the process?

We are often told to regularly visualize the goals we are trying to achieve. But that can be easier said than done. I have a very clear and precise goal. I can tell you exactly what is is and in great detail. That is the problem. My preferred representational style is ‘auditory digital’. That is, I tend to think in words rather than pictures.

What that means is that I would have no problem explaining to you, or to myself, in words, what my goal is. It is a different matter when I try to picture what it might look like, let alone to hold that picture in mind for any length of time. It is not that I have an unrealistic impression of visualization. Many people say that they can’t visualize, meaning that they can’t produce a stunning, high definition, 3d image.

Visualization experiment

For just about everyone, visualization is not like that. Try this. Imagine walking up to your front door and going in. What type of door is it and what colour. As you stand at the door, what sounds can you hear? Now, where is your key? Is it in your pocket or a purse? Which side of the door is the lock? Does the door make a noise as it opens? What is the first thing you see inside?

I bet that even as you read that, you had a fleeting impression of what entering your home looks like. Well, for most of us, that is as good as visualization gets. But that doesn’t change the fact that, visual is not my style and I find it difficult to maintain even that image for any length of time. You may have read in my other posts that I use a technological solution to meditation. So what about technological visualization?

Visualization technology?

I just found out about something called Mind Movies. They are a way that you can put together images, affirmations in text form and music, as a short video that you can watch on a daily basis and be inspired. A bit like a vision board, but with moving pictures and music to get you pumped up. The idea is that you don’t have to imagine it, you can just watch it. It is claimed by many people to be effective but I’m not sure.

I suppose anything can only be effective if you use it. Normal visualization takes patience and practice. Admit it. How many of you have tried it for two days and given up when it didn’t work? I know I have. If this only takes 3 minutes, while you are sitting in front of your computer anyway, there has to be a chance that you will keep it up. Can’t be that hard to give it a fair trial and see what it does for you.

I have grabbed some pre made videos that they are giving away. I’ll try them on the basis that every little helps, and it can’t do any harm. I really hate the soundtrack for the money one though. I wonder if it still works with the sound muted. I’ll let you know.

I suppose this is a drawback of buying done for you solutions. It wouldn’t be that difficult to use presentation software like Powerpoint and make your own. At least then you could make them absolutely relevant to you.