The first step in any life change is to visualize what it
is that you want for yourself. Before you can plan the
necessary action, you need to know where you are heading.
To do this you must visualize your goal.

Conceptualize Your Goal in Positive Terms

The desire to change is usually motivated by
dissatisfaction with the present situation. Because of
this, when it's time to identify your goals, you may think
in terms of what you want to get rid of.

The problem with focusing on what you don't want is that it
doesn't really help you to identify what it is that you do
want. You can see what you are moving away from but you
lack clear objective regarding where you want to go.

When you conceptualize your goals in positive terms you
give yourself direction: What is it that you
really want? What would feel right for you?
If you could write your own script and have things
turn out exactly as you want them to, what would the
outcome be?

Knowing where you want to go tells you where you are
heading. Once you have clear direction, the steps you need
to take will become apparent.

You Can Visualize Your Goal, Even If You Don't Know How You
Will Achieve It.

You may resist visualizing your goal if you have no idea
how you are going to get from here to there. It is
important, however, to recognize that knowing where you
want to go provides necessary direction that will inform
the steps you need to take.

Once you know where you are headed, it becomes much easier
to identify the steps to get there. You will become alert
to possibilities you might not have noticed, were you not
focused on your goal.

How To Visualize Your Goals

While thoughts about how you'd like things to be may come
and go, it is valuable to set time aside to focus on your
goals. This process can provide clarity, which will help
you to find direction.

1. Give yourself some time when you know you will be
uninterrupted.

Sit down, take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to
relax. Or, if inspiration comes more easily when you are
taking a walk or a run or swimming laps, use that time to
imagine what it is you want for yourself. What's important
is that you give yourself space and time to really focus on
how you want your future to be.

2. Now, ask yourself "What is it that I really want here?"

Don't try to figure out the answer to this question.
Instead, allow some time for the awareness of your goal to
emerge. Be open to anything that comes to you.

3. Imagine that you have achieved your goal.

Notice how you feel with your goal accomplished. Be aware
of any unexpected consequences that come to mind as you
imagine your goal fulfilled.

If potential unforeseen consequences came to mind when you
imagined your vision fulfilled, give yourself plenty of
opportunity to address any questions raised. Be very
patient with the process.

Suspend judgment for now This is a creative process, like
brainstorming. Quiet any critical voice that says "You
could never do that!" or "That's impossible!" Encourage
yourself to dream big. Later on you will have plenty of
opportunity to assess the feasibility of your vision and
explore ways you can implement it.

You may need to allow a few days or even weeks for the
details of your vision to take form. Be open to any
additional inspiration that comes to you after you
initially visualize your goal.

You can keep track of your vision as it evolves by keeping
a journal in which you record the insights you receive.
Taking notes will enable you to feel confident that you
won't forget any of the details.

Once your goal is clear, you can explore the possibilities
for achieving it. Through this process the 'how to's' will
become apparent. Your initial vision may be modified in
the process, but you will be moving in the right direction
toward making your good life better!

About the Author:

Drawing on skills and expertise developed over 30 years
experience, Jeannette Samanen Ph.D. provides effective life
coaching, empowering you to achieve your goals. Subscribe
to her "Make Your Good Life Better" newsletter at
http://www.achieveyourgoals.com .