Jim's Gems: Visualize the End-Result

We’ve discussed the power of visualization many times (see June 10, 2014) and its ability to help you succeed personally and professionally. But did you know that visualization can also help us become better managers of our time?

Almost everyone has been confronted with a difficult assignment or something that we dread. Often the hardest part of many jobs is getting started in the first place. We've made our list of things to do. We're even very clear about what has to happen in the order of importance. We know what job to do first. But for some reason, we just can’t seem to find the energy to get started.

We may divert ourselves by starting less important and more simple tasks to make us feel better, or as a means to gather momentum. Worse yet, we procrastinate until we've put so much pressure on ourselves that we finally have to begin in earnest. With that much pressure and negativity weighing on our mind, chances are we won't do our best work. We will find ourselves going through the motions, just to get it over with. We’ve all been in this kind of situation; and, ultimately, will be faced with a similar situation again.

The next time you find yourself in this situation, however, try using visualization to help you out. Visualize yourself completing the task. Vividly picture in your mind how good it will feel, what the rewards might be, and how smoothly and confidently you will see the job through to the end.

I had a friend who was a huge fan of the Rocky movies. Whenever he was faced with a difficult task, he would imagine hearing the theme song, “Gonna Fly Now." The song is synonymous with being the underdog who ultimately triumphs against all odds. He uses this visualization  to motivate himself to get started, just like how Rocky Balboa ends his movies in victory and success.

Use your imagination to feel yourself basking in the glow of satisfaction after a job well done. Feel the sense of efficiency and competency you will be generating within yourself. Visualize exactly what it will look and feel like when the task is completed. Do this with your full concentration over and over. I know you will find it useful; and once started, the assignment or task tends to develop its own energy, which provides momentum.

You will move forward much more quickly if you visualize the end-result and the feeling of accomplishment before you even start. Try it. Take charge of your time and your energy, and enjoy the rewards that you will earn.

Next week, we’ll discuss a few visualization techniques that you might find useful.

Think about it...