Because of our brain wiring, the facts and figures that we remember the most are attached to stories. That’s the reason that detailed visualization is at the top of my most effective goal setting tips. If you’re not creating a story for yourself as the star performer, you need to be. It’s a fantastic habit that will drive you to amazing achievement.
Visualization makes your goals come to life. As you visualize, can you taste the champagne after that big deal is inked? How about the smell of the brand new car you’ve had your eye on? Or the touch of the trophy given to the top achiever?
This isn’t a one-off exercise. To be most effective as a goal setting tip, visualization takes consistent practice.
Of all goal setting tips, why is this so effective?
Your mind uses stories as a way to sift and organize tons of information, and it is always looking for shortcuts to help make sense. A satisfying story helps your brain block out extraneous information and distractions, poising you to do what is needed to make the story will come true. The more simple and vivid the imagery, the more effective your visualization will be in helping you (or your team or company) achieve your goal.
For your brain, this practice will replicate what visual storytelling does for marketers and businesses trying to attract customers: Because so many of us are “increasingly distracted by an array of digital stimuli, visual storytelling represents a compelling way … to cut through the clutter.” The brain seeks a simple, clear, guiding message that makes sense and challenges our talents and problem solving abilities. Why not visualize your best story?
Your Game Changer Takeaway
As you are goal setting, harness your brainpower by giving your mind a vivid story that stars you. As you rehearse your success with every sense that you have, watch how you shed distractions. This goal setting tip will prime you to execute specific achievements in real life.
The Molly Fletcher Company inspires leaders, teams and organizations to up their game. A keynote speaker and author, Molly draws on her decades of experiences working as a sports agent. She is the founder of Game Changer Performance Group, which offers training and coaching programs to help leaders unleash their potential, including: Negotiation: Maximize Your Influence, which teaches business people a framework for successful negotiating; Energy: Optimize Your Focus, which teaches people how to manage their energy to achieve focus and freedom; and High Impact: Elevate Your Power Skills, which is in development now and will supercharge your organization’s performance. Sign up to receive our newsletter, subscribe to the Game Changers with Molly Fletcher podcast, and watch her TED Talk on The Secrets to a Champion Mindset, which has been viewed more than 1 million times.