Blog Post: The Mental Edge

The science of quantum physics now tells us that our desires, expectations, and imagination are potent tools for achieving our goals. Our bodies are actually energy in motion, highly impacted by our thoughts and feelings.

Visualization Today

Once upon a time society considered creative visualization a flight of fancy, or a desperate measure for desperate people. Today, however, Olympic coaches, highly-trained athletes such as golf great Tiger Woods, swimming star Michael Phelps, winner of eight Olympic gold medals, and corporate pioneers, all know success comes more easily and quickly when they first imagine it in detail, and expect it to happen. According to Phelps, "The more you use your imagination, the faster you go. If you think about doing the unthinkable, you can. The sky is the limit." His coach first introduced him to visualization at the age of thirteen.

Extensive research indicates that people who imagine future success outperform those who imagine future failure. Why? Because envisioning success promotes the development of plans and strategies necessary for achieving success. In the process, we become more motivated to make it happen and can often overcome any related anxiety, fear, and lack of self-confidence.

I am often asked how visualization compares to positive thinking. Norman Vincent Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking (1952, 1996) and Positive Imaging: The Powerful Way to Change Your Life (1982), wrote in the latter: “Imaging is positive thinking carried one step further. So powerful is the imaging effect on thought and performance that a long held visualization of an objective or goal can become determinative.”

An Example

A good illustration of this is how I connected with the publisher of my first book, The Job-Loss Recovery Guide. I had been utilizing a number of visualization techniques to support and focus my strong desire and intention to attract a good publisher. I also took action by writing a thorough book proposal, attending appropriate conferences and meetings where I might meet editors and publishers, and sending out a few query letters—all rejected.

The connection ultimately occurred in a way beyond what I’d ever imagined. I had been invited to present my study results at a California Psychology Association Annual Conference, and had just begun speaking when a large portion of the audience began trickling out of the room. Was it something I’d said? In fact, word had spread that a high profile figure (Dr. Joyce Brothers!) was unexpectedly speaking in the room across from me. A few people stayed and a few moved back and forth between rooms. I continued my presentation as if speaking personally to each person in the room. At that point I felt grateful to have anyone in the room.

At the session’s conclusion, a gentleman approached me and introduced himself as the editor-in-chief of a psychology-focused publishing house. He asked if I had ever considered writing a book about The Job-Loss Recovery Program. I kid you not! I had my book proposal in my car, and the rest is history!

As you can see, visualization has worked for me and it can work for you—even if the journey takes roundabout ways to your goals.

Proven Effectiveness

Using guided visualization, I developed and tested an effective strategy to reduce the time downsized workers take in finding their next job. In that published scientific study, 62% of the group that listened to the visualization recording just six times obtained jobs within two months compared to only 12% of the goal-setting control group that did not listen to a recording. [i]

In upcoming blogs I will describe the visualization exercises that led to the reemployment of the job seekers in my study. If you are willing to step outside the bounds of what you think you can do, these exercises can give you the mental edge to land the job you want. I invite you to send me questions and comments.

[i] Joseph, L.M., and M.A. Greenberg. 2001. The effects of a career transition program on reemployment success in laid-off professionals. Consulting Psychology Journal 53:169-181.

Lynn Joseph, PhD, is the author of the acclaimed audio CD, The Job-Loss Recovery Program: The Ultimate Visualization System for Landing a Great Job Now!, and companion book The Job-Loss Recovery Program Guide, recently named by WashingtonPost.com the “Best Emotional Recovery” book following job loss. She has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs and been cited in publications such as Time and Fortune magazines, and the Washington Post. Visit www.JobLossRecovery.com for more information and resources.