It is almost Friday! I am so looking forward to the weekend and for many reasons. One of which I am taking off Monday so that means I can pretty much push off everything until then! Yep, Sunday will be great. Usually Sundays consist of laundry, sweeping and moping, gym, grocery shopping and cooking my food for the week. I tell you what though. If it weren't for a spastic Sunday my entire week would be filled with errands and things to do. I get it all done on Sundays so that my week runs smoothly. I swear, I am too regimented at times!
Is there a day of the week that you do chores or errands?
I am not one for lists. In fact, besides cooking Hugh's food I never go into a store with a piece of paper. I am a quick shopper too! I want to get in and get out. I never lallygag. I do however, visualize. I always think and actually plan in my head what my meals will be, I actually see it in my mind. It is so funny. When I would cook years ago I would actually draw out the food and how it would look plated before cooking. I would hang it on the wall as I gathered my items and started creating dinner so that I could see the end result and what I was going for.
Are you a visualizer? I found the power of visualization about 4 years a go and it changed my life. Seriously, in every way. I was just getting started with my weight loss goals and diet plan and was researching like a mad woman to find the perfect balance. I youtubed a ton and what I ended up finding was incredible. Four years ago on Oprah there was a whole show devoted to the power of visualization and I thought "oh god....here we go....if Oprah says something then the whole world is going to freak about it." This is when the well known dvd and book "The Secret" came out. Of course, I too would be roped into it. I remember thinking "Hey, if thinking positive is the worst thing that I can be guilty of then so be it." I read the book, bought the dvd and pretty much practiced it like it was my job. Things did happen and I was happier however I felt like I wasn't reaping all the benefits. At that time I wasn't concerned about making tons of money, winning a car, attracting a cup of coffee or winning the lottery. I was concerned with obtaining optimum health and the body that I dreamt of having. I wanted health, not wealth. I remember thinking "Why cant this work for my health goals?" So I did just that. I put all the energy that I was giving wanting money and material things and set it into motion for my goal of obtaining optimum health. Instead of visualizing my hands being filled with money or myself driving a new car, I visualized shopping at a store and picking up anything off the racks and it fit. I visualized the weight at the gym rising. I visualized myself completely happy in my skin and actually felt myself there in the moment. I know, I know, I know. Heather, this is some hippie dippy crap, what are you talking about? I hate actually talking about it but it so necessary when you have a goal (of any kind) to visualize your results and even more importantly, feel yourself there. "The Secret" is great and all but it lacks a few principles that I like to use. I am not going to get into what The Secret doesn't have and just stick to my theory and what works for me. Take what you will.
Visualization... conceive, believe, achieve?
There is a famous book entitled 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill. First published in 1937, it has continued to blaze a trail through the literary world, becoming a massive bestseller and ongoing success. I have my own worn copy which I refer to from time to time (following Mr Hill's advice, I re-read it every year), and do my utmost to follow the sage advice within.
Is there a day of the week that you do chores or errands?
I am not one for lists. In fact, besides cooking Hugh's food I never go into a store with a piece of paper. I am a quick shopper too! I want to get in and get out. I never lallygag. I do however, visualize. I always think and actually plan in my head what my meals will be, I actually see it in my mind. It is so funny. When I would cook years ago I would actually draw out the food and how it would look plated before cooking. I would hang it on the wall as I gathered my items and started creating dinner so that I could see the end result and what I was going for.
Are you a visualizer? I found the power of visualization about 4 years a go and it changed my life. Seriously, in every way. I was just getting started with my weight loss goals and diet plan and was researching like a mad woman to find the perfect balance. I youtubed a ton and what I ended up finding was incredible. Four years ago on Oprah there was a whole show devoted to the power of visualization and I thought "oh god....here we go....if Oprah says something then the whole world is going to freak about it." This is when the well known dvd and book "The Secret" came out. Of course, I too would be roped into it. I remember thinking "Hey, if thinking positive is the worst thing that I can be guilty of then so be it." I read the book, bought the dvd and pretty much practiced it like it was my job. Things did happen and I was happier however I felt like I wasn't reaping all the benefits. At that time I wasn't concerned about making tons of money, winning a car, attracting a cup of coffee or winning the lottery. I was concerned with obtaining optimum health and the body that I dreamt of having. I wanted health, not wealth. I remember thinking "Why cant this work for my health goals?" So I did just that. I put all the energy that I was giving wanting money and material things and set it into motion for my goal of obtaining optimum health. Instead of visualizing my hands being filled with money or myself driving a new car, I visualized shopping at a store and picking up anything off the racks and it fit. I visualized the weight at the gym rising. I visualized myself completely happy in my skin and actually felt myself there in the moment. I know, I know, I know. Heather, this is some hippie dippy crap, what are you talking about? I hate actually talking about it but it so necessary when you have a goal (of any kind) to visualize your results and even more importantly, feel yourself there. "The Secret" is great and all but it lacks a few principles that I like to use. I am not going to get into what The Secret doesn't have and just stick to my theory and what works for me. Take what you will.
Visualization... conceive, believe, achieve?
There is a famous book entitled 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill. First published in 1937, it has continued to blaze a trail through the literary world, becoming a massive bestseller and ongoing success. I have my own worn copy which I refer to from time to time (following Mr Hill's advice, I re-read it every year), and do my utmost to follow the sage advice within.
What is the book about? To the layman, it is a book about making money; however, in reality the book is far more than that. 'Think and Grow Rich' - in my humble opinion - is one of the most important books ever conceived pertaining to personal success; the book goes on to detail how the power of the mind, and VISUALIZATION in particular, can change your life for the good.
(I mention this book, not in the hope that you might purchase it - although I sincerely hope that you do - but by way of demonstrating visualization's effectiveness. To understand this book's popularity, see the following testimonials: Think and Grow Rich!: The Original Version, Restored and Revised)
So can visualization change lives?
Yes, it can. But more than this, visualization allows the user to actualize their full potential.
Do I use it? Most certainly. And what benefits have I seen, but more importantly, what benefits can YOU expect to see? Let's find out.
Visualization... your magic picture show:
The magic of visualization will go on to touch every aspect of your life. Perhaps you want a better job; a bigger house; a loving partner; an amazing physique - yes, visualization can help you build bigger muscles - or anything else that is important to you... either way, the power of visualization is far-reaching.
Below you will find a visualization technique to boost your athletic performance, but first, consider the benefits:
Improve health
Greater relaxation
More calm
Increase focus
Develop persistence
Gain confidence
The above characteristics, to some degree or other, are within all of us. For many these characteristics sadly lie dormant, but visualization - such is its power - can bring these characteristics magically to life...
The above characteristics, fully realized, are the TRUE benefits of visualization.
Why?
ONLY be developing the above characteristics will you realize your dreams of a better job; a bigger house; a loving partner; and yes - even an amazing physique!
THIS is where visualization comes to your aid.
However, a word of caution...
Visualization should never replace experience. For example, it is foolhardy to believe you can squat twice your body weight when you have never so much as lifted a barbell. While one of the benefits of visualization is 'unleashing a person's full potential', these techniques will not perform miracles. Visualization is NOT a magic wand. You must earn your gains.
Exercise Visualization - Your 3 Steps to Visualization Success
1. DEEP BREATHING. Pick a quiet spot where you can lie down. With your legs uncrossed and arms by your side, close your eyes. Now take a few slow, deep breaths, ensuring they make your stomach rise then fall. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you inhale, picture a soothing but strong wave covering your body like a blanket; and as you exhale, picture the stress and tension drifting off into space.
2. PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION. Take three more breaths like this, then roll your head slowly around; shrug your shoulders gently; and make a couple of faces, crunching up your facial muscles and then relaxing them. Next, move to your toes and feet - tense the muscles, holding for a second, then let it go. Pause for a moment, then repeat with your calves, now move to your thighs, repeating the same process; and now your hips, stomach, chest, shoulders and back - slowly working up your body to your neck and finally your face. Now take three deep breaths, just as you did at the start of the exercise.
You should now feel more relaxed. Beginning with your right leg, say to yourself: 'My right leg is warm and heavy. I am relaxed.' Repeat this message five times, then do the same with your left leg. Now do the same with your right arm, and left arm. Finally repeat the message: 'My whole body is warm and heavy. I am relaxed.' You are now ready for your mental rehearsal, and the final step to exercise visualization.
3. MENTAL REHEARSAL. Let's walk through a positive mental rehearsal of successful squatting. First imagine your gym: what do you see, hear, feel - try to make the image as vivid you can. Now imagine your bar loaded to the exact weight you want to squat. Getting into position, don't be afraid to admit to yourself that the bar is heavy - it is - but you are lifting it, and aim to master it. Now, one by one, begin your repetitions. As you make each lift, feel the growing confidence and power! When you've finished your set, return the bar and take a moment to congratulate yourself: Great job!
Important: go through these visualization steps at least twice before your actual routine - once before you drift off to sleep at night, then again before your set. You will be surprised by how energized you feel, along with your new found confidence!
I hope that this makes sense to you and don't worry, there will be more to come. This is just a tiny bit of info, I didn't want to overload you!
The power of positive visualization is a little-used miracle worker engaging with the wellspring of your imagination. Used in all areas of your life, it will lead to health, wealth, and happiness - along with bigger muscles!
See you tomorrow with a great review!
-Heather
