3 Scientific Reasons Behind the Power Of Visualization

From artists to athletes, from inventors to actors - the practice of visualizing success and possibility has been a powerful tool to achieve goals and realize dreams. But what is the science behind this seemingly magical ability - and how can we tap into its power in our own lives?

Visualization has been used for a very long time in sports. Muhammad Ali’s famous quote “If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it” already shows that he truly believed in the power of visualization. And he’s not the only one who used visualization in his successful sports career.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is also a big believer in visualizing how he wanted to look and kept on imagining it. Later on, he used the same technique in politics and acting.

Scientific research has proven there are neurological reasons behind visualization and its profound impact on cognition, emotion, and behavior. A study published in Neuropsychologia found that imagining to move certain parts of your bodies almost trains the muscles as much as the actual movement. Our mind is so powerful!

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, visualization is “the act of visualizing something or someone” or “forming a picture of it in your mind”. It’s almost like looking through a particular lens and using your imagination to see your life unfold within your inner eye.  This mental imagery is a process where the brain creates vivid, sensory-rich images of objects, scenes, or specific experiences.

As Oprah Winfrey says “Anything you can imagine, you can create.” You can’t really argue with Oprah, can you? And it’s not only her who believes in the power of affirmations and visualizations.

According to Huffpost - Jim Carrey apparently wrote a check of over $ 10 million to himself every night during the time when he wasn’t famous yet. It so happened that three years later, he received exactly this amount for starring in Dumb and Dumber!

Here are 3 Powerful Scientific reasons that visualization can help us shape our reality and accomplish big goals.

1. The first is Neuroplasticity**: Neuroplasticity means we can mold our brains towards what we want it to think and process.  The brain has powerful ability to rewire and adapt in response to experience and imagery. When we rehearse tasks or visualize desired outcomes - we can activate neural pathways linked to skill acquisition and performance, effectively priming the brain for success.

2. The Next is Emotional Regulation**: Visualization influences the brain's emotional centers - such as the amygdala, by simulating emotional experiences in the mind.  This part of the brain also plays a role in memory, decision making, and adaptation - This means by visualizing positive outcomes and successful scenarios - we can regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and cultivate a mindset of confidence and resilience.

3. The Third Reason is Imagery Motivation **: Visualization plays a crucial role in motivation by aligning mental imagery with desired objectives. By vividly imagining the steps needed to achieve a goal and visualizing the rewards of success - we can increase our motivation, focus, and perseverance in pursuing our biggest goals and dreams!

So how do you do it in real life? How can you tap into the power of visualization and enjoy all its benefits? Generally speaking, you need to imagine the specific situation in as many details as possible using all your senses – you can see it, smell it, hear it, feel it and taste it.

For many people, it helps when they close their eyes, and then there are others who prefer to write it all down instead of doing it purely in their mind.  The key is consistency so that you can train and wire your brain toward the experience and imagery you are practicing.

Another way of visualizing your future is to create a vision board. In “Let Me Introduce You To a Remarkable Person”, you’ll find more details about it. In short, you take a blank poster and fill it with snippets and pictures from magazines that represent what you want your life to look like in a certain amount of time.  It could be 3 months, 1 year, 5 years or more. It’s important to put the completed vision board in a prominent place in your office or apartment so that you are regularly reminded of it.

The key to visualization is all about creating something from a blank canvas in your mind or on paper.

Approach it with a curious and open mind, and try out different options so that you find what works best for you.

Your mind is truly powerful and you can utilize this amazing tool anywhere - so keep exploring and create the life you want and dream of with the help of visualization!