The Power of Visualization in Entrepreneurial Goal Setting

Visualization is a powerful tool to help you move towards your goals with more motivation, focus, and inspiration.

As an entrepreneur, you likely have goals for your business – how much income you want to make, how many new clients you would like to reach, when you expect your new product to be on the shelf, etc. You set your goals and then start on the often-challenging journey of achieving them. 

But what if you could experience success before you even begin? Let me explain. 

What is Visualization?

Visualization is the process of attaching images (either physically or mentally) to a thought. For instance, when I say the word “green” I’m sure there is already a colour that you can begin to imagine, maybe even an object that is green. This is because you have repetitively seen things that are green, learned from someone what “green” is and subconsciously attached the words to the object. 

Our minds are so powerful, that with practice, we can visualize things we have not physically seen before (e.g., what our business will look like one year into the future). This does not mean that we will see things exactly as they will happen, just that we can imagine what the outcome could be.

According to Scientific American:

“…visualizing movement … stimulates brain regions involved in rehearsal of movement… priming the brain and body for action so that we move more effectively”

Essentially, when you visualize something, your brain begins to reorganize and build connections so that you can take action in an effective way to get you there. 

Remember that all great concepts and products we see and experience in the world began with a thought – anything we can imagine can be brought into reality.

What are the Benefits?

• Visualization can help you to manage your expectations of what may arise, as things don’t always work out exactly as you imagine. 

• It can also help you to have a clearer focus where you want to go, the clearer you are with your goals the more likely you are to get there. 

• Visualization can also help motivate you through any challenges you may encounter on the journey of entrepreneurship. 

How to Begin Visualizing  

 

Here are three ways that you can begin to use visualization as part of your goal setting process: 

#1: Create a Vision Board

Find images in magazines or online of things that inspire you and reflect what you want to achieve. This may be products, people, or ideal clients. Collect these images on a board or in a document on your computer. Allow yourself to continue to add to this vision board as the inspiration arises. 

Come back to these images anytime that you are encountering a challenge. 

Allow your vision board to inspire you to move forward intentionally and bring you back into focus of what you want to achieve and why you do what you do.

If you want to learn more about creating a vision board, check out the Vision Board Experience, a 1-hour virtual class with a big impact. 

#2: Visualize The Outcomes

Spend some time with your eyes closed visualizing the potential outcomes (both best-case and worst-case) in as much detail as possible. Notice who is around you, where you are, how you feel (physically, mentally and emotionally). Visualize consistently and allow your visions to change and evolve as your business does. 

Note: For the worst-case scenario, focus on the learnings, the journey, and feeling proud of how far you have come. Sometimes what we think of as the worst case opens us to more growth and opportunities than we can understand in that moment.

Couple your Visualizations with Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements in the present moment. Allow yourself to heighten the power of your visualizations by bring the feeling of success into this moment, reminding yourself that:

I am already successful

I am learning so much every day

I am exactly where I need to be

Everything will work out better than I imagine