Mental Imagery: What It Is and How to Use It to Reach Your Goals

What is mental imagery?

Mental imagery is the process of using your imagination to think about something in terms of "seeing it" or by making a visual representation of something in your mind. It's also known as creating a "mental movie" or translating thoughts into images through meditation, self-hypnosis, daydreaming, etc.

To put it even more simply, if you closed your eyes and imagined a cat, then you're engaging in mental imagery.

This is a common enough activity that most people can do. But did you know that not everyone 'sees' something when they close their eyes and imagine it?

Also, the concept of mental imagery is hard to define or measure because it's different from person to person.

Some people can imagine things in vivid detail while others not so much. However, most people do use mental imagery in daily life whether they realize it or not.

What's interesting is that you can use mental imagery as a powerful technique to help you achieve more of your goals. And that's what we'll explore in this post.

Create a goal

The first step is to create a goal. This could be anything from wanting to lose weight, to starting a business, to quitting smoking.

Once you have your goal, you can consciously start to apply mental imagery in a focused way. Usually, people indulge in visualization without effort or any intention.

We often spiral off into imagined scenarios filled with dialogues, interesting events, and backdrops. And such experiences are also emotionally charged which can influence your mood throughout the day.

Imagine if you could harness this ability to visualize and put it towards achieving an important goal. You'd be a lot more focused and you'd get ideas and find ways to make your dreams happen.

Practice every day

The good news is that you can start using mental imagery to achieve your goals starting today!

But in order for it to be effective, you need to be consistent with it. This means that you should practice every day, even if it's for a few minutes at a time.

When you first start, it might be a little difficult to focus on your goal. This is normal. Allow yourself some time to get used to it and to see what works for you.

Some people find it helpful to have a picture of their goal or a visual representation of it in front of them while they're practicing.

Others might like to use an audio recording or write out their goal in detail.

The key is to find what works for you and to be as consistent with it as possible.

Practice mental imagery in the first person

When you're practicing mental imagery, it's important to do it in the first person. This means that you should see yourself as if you are already in the situation that you want to be in.

For example, if you're trying to lose weight, imagine yourself as a healthy and fit person. See yourself going to the gym and working out, eating healthy foods, and feeling good about yourself.

Or if you want to become a business owner and be financially independent, imagine yourself as the owner of your own successful business. See yourself working hard, making money, and making customers happy too.

Engage all your senses

Another thing to keep in mind when you're practicing mental imagery is to engage all your senses.

This will help make the experience more real and it will also help you to achieve your goal more effectively.

When you're visualizing, try to make the image as real as possible. See, feel, smell, touch, and hear everything about the situation as if it's really happening.

Our physical body often responds to visual cues to great effect. Have you ever felt sick and gone to a doctor's office only to feel better when you're sitting in the waiting room? That's the placebo effect in action.

Try to imagine smells, sounds, and even physical touch in association with your goals. Such input can prime your brain to seek solutions and motivate you to work smarter.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Using mental imagery is a great way to achieve your goals.

It's something that everybody can do and it doesn't require any special equipment or training.

Just be consistent with it, engage all your senses, and see yourself as if you've already achieved your goal.

The sky's the limit!