Visualization, its not just a new age technique anymore

Today I was doing my own personal development reading and came across a section on visualization.  This is not a new concept and I have ignored the concept until now.

When I first heard of visualization I thought the concept was ridiculous.  Just visualize what you want to have happen and it will.  It really sounded like new age hogwash to me.  The thing is, I keep hearing about the concept over and over again.

The realization that visualization is not a ridiculous concept came from reading a book written by a member of my church, featuring several stories about visualization from prominent church figures.

Here is the trick .  Visualization starts by picturing in your mind the end result you want, but for it to work properly you can't stop there.  Visualizing the end result may help you to see what it is that you want to accomplish, but it doesn't help you see how to accomplish it.  In order for you to actually achieve that end vision, you need to also visualize exactly the steps you need to accomplish it.  You need to visualize yourself actually doing the things you need to do as well as the actual outcome hoped for.

It doesn't do any good to visualize yourself at the end of the journey and then sit and wait for the end result to happen.  Even if you visualize yourself as a  millionaire everyday it won't happen unless you take action to get yourself there.

Visualization helps you to practice overcoming obstacles in your path and solving problems that may come up along your journey.  Visualization can help you be more confident as you do each task that needs to be done to accomplish your goal.  Visualization can help you enforce your belief that you can reach your goal.

What visualization is not, is a magic wand that will make things happen just because you see it happening in your head.  Yes, visualization can help attract the positive outcomes you want, but they will not happen unless you do the work necessary to get there.  For example you can visualize yourself winning the lottery, but it will never happen if you don't buy a lottery ticket.  Of course visualization can never guarantee anything based on luck instead of skill.

Visualization is not meant to be used by itself.  When combined with goal setting, affirmations, study, and action it can help you to accomplish great things.  Used by itself its just daydreaming.