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Strengthen Your Optimism and Wellbeing: Daydream and Visualise Your Best Possible Self
by Victor Perton
Visualisation and daydreaming are powerful human tendencies. They are very healthy and can be harnessed to make you more optimistic and more infectiously optimistic. Visualise your best possible self and imagine a future in which all your goals have been achieved. The experts suggest writing it down. I keep it in a document on my computer, which I review once a month. There's good evidence that it is a way of lifting yourself and those around you. Try it now.
The Power of Visualisation and Daydreaming
Visualisation and daydreaming are innate human behaviours that can be exceptionally beneficial when consciously directed. When we vividly picture success, joy, and happiness, we create a mental blueprint that guides our actions and attitudes towards achieving these outcomes. Imagining our best possible selves and a future where all our goals are realised can significantly enhance our optimism.
Practical Steps to Harness Visualisation
- Set Aside Time: Dedicate a few minutes daily or weekly to visualise your ideal self and future. Find a quiet space where you can focus without distractions.
- Write It Down: Document your visualisations. Writing solidifies your visions and makes them more tangible. It's a process that reinforces your commitment to your goals.
- Review Regularly: Revisit your visualisations periodically. It is helpful to review my document once a month, ensuring that my actions align with my aspirations.
- Engage All Senses: When visualising, engage all your senses to make the experience as vivid as possible. Imagine the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with your best possible self and future.
Imagine Your Best Possible Self
Set aside 15-20 minutes without distraction and find a comfortable place.
Pick a future date, ideally several years away - perhaps five years?
Assume you have accomplished everything you plan to do: Imagine everything has gone as well as possible.
Imagine yourself in the mirror five years from now, content after fulfilling your plans and still fostering aspirations for new adventures and experiences.
Visualise the deepened relationships with your family and the joyous moments you share.
Imagine your friends standing beside you, their company enriching your life's journey.
In your professional sphere, envision yourself contributing to a field you're passionate about and reaping satisfaction from your accomplishments.
Envision your future home as a sanctuary that reflects your personality, offering tranquillity amidst a week full of rewarding experiences.
In your free time, picture yourself joyfully engaging in activities you love, filled with enthusiasm and contentment.
Then, write a diary entry for that day in your life five years hence.
Spend ten minutes writing, vividly portraying your ideal day in the future.
Delve into your surroundings - have you chosen a holiday paradise, a dynamic workplace, or the comfort of your home?
Who is there sharing this perfect day with you?
How does the weather contribute to the ambience, and does a gentle breeze add freshness?
Are you savouring your favourite meal, perhaps accompanied by a cold, refreshing drink?
If it's a workday, what fulfilling tasks are you absorbed in?
Paint a picture of this perfect future day, detailing each enriching experience contributing to its perfection. Be creative, be vivid, and use doodles if you like.
Handwriting on paper, in a journal or on a computer? The general view is that it's better to handwrite, and it's whatever you prefer and where you'll best find it when you want to reread it.
Then, spend at least five minutes reflecting on that future day - go for a walk, sit in a chair, have a cup of coffee or tea and look out the window, imagining that day.
The Science Behind Visualisation
Research shows that visualisation can have profound effects on mental and physical wellbeing. By regularly envisioning positive outcomes, you prime your brain to recognise opportunities and take proactive steps towards your goals. This process enhances optimism and builds resilience as you become more adept at navigating challenges with a positive mindset.
Engaging Others in Your Vision
Sharing your visualisations with trusted friends or mentors can amplify the benefits. Discussing your goals and dreams with others creates a support network that encourages and motivates you. Additionally, your optimism can inspire those around you, creating a ripple effect of positivity and motivation.
Conclusion
Visualisation and daydreaming are not merely idle pastimes but powerful tools for enhancing optimism and wellbeing. By imagining your best possible self and future, documenting your visions, and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can create a compelling blueprint for success. This practice not only lifts your spirits but also has the potential to inspire and uplift those around you. Start today and experience the transformative power of visualisation.
How do you feel about implementing these suggestions? What steps will you take first to apply this advice?
Habits of an Optimist
During the COVID lockdown, Noirin Mosley, Jenny Boymal, and I developed an animated program called "The Habits of an Optimist." Our ideas on the practice and value of the habits have continued to develop, and we commend trying any of these for a week:
- Smile and Say Hello: Start your day with a genuine smile and greet everyone you meet.
- Infectiously Optimistic Greetings: Use cheerful greetings like "What's the best thing happening for you?"
- Laugh More: Laughter boosts your immune system and reduces stress.
- Ask "What Makes Me Optimistic?": Regularly reflect on and write down what makes you optimistic.
- Ask Others What Makes Them Optimistic: This can lift your spirits and theirs.
- Practise Gratitude: Actively thank people and keep a gratitude journal.
- Think Like an Optimist: Challenge negative thoughts and focus on positive outcomes.
- Daydream and Visualise: Visualise your best possible self and future.
- Use the Language of Optimism: Incorporate positive words and phrases into your speech and writing.
- Write, Share, and Display Positive Affirmations: Regularly write and share positive affirmations.
- Manage Your Time Wisely: Prioritise activities that bring joy and advance your mission.
- Surround Yourself with Optimistic People: Spend time with people who boost your optimism.
- Reduce Reliance on Negative News: Limit exposure to negative news and seek out positive stories.
- Share Stories of Hope and Optimism: Actively share positive and hopeful stories with others.
- Forgive and Forget: Let go of grudges and focus on positive aspects.
- Learn Continuously: Embrace lifelong learning and stay curious.
- Be Compassionate: Show kindness and understanding to others.
- Do Some Yoga: Engage in yoga to improve optimism and mental and physical well-being.
- Meditate: Practise meditation to cultivate a calm and positive mindset.
- Seek Out Activities That Bring You Joy: Actively participate in activities that make you happy.
- Do Someone Else a Favour: Perform acts of kindness to boost your and others' positivity.
- Accept That the World is Chaotic: Embrace the chaos and find stability within yourself.
- Go to Beautiful Places: Get out into nature and breathe in the fresh air and beautiful vistas.
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