Goals and visualization

What is a goal? Not the kind you score on the field, the kind you have in your head. For some, it is a clear and distinct thing. For others, it's more of a vague, gelatinous substance. In my experience, when goals are written, remembered and frequently thought about, they come true. When they are avoided or neglected, they wither and die. Most New Year's resolutions tend to fall into this category.

So don't kill yourself over it, but do write down one, or two, or twenty five goals. You can categorize them (physical, spiritual, career/financial, social, etc.) or not. You can verbalize them or not. I find it helps to share them with a friend who can help keep you accountable. But as long as YOU know them and believe that they are possible and truly desire them, as long as they are for the benefit of all concerned, THEY WILL COME TRUE. I promise! Not immediately, usually, but sooner than you'd think. One important aside, as with everything it's important to have compassion when it comes to goals. Goals change frequently. So try to have them but not be addicted or overly attached to them.

Try practicing this goal visualization... Sitting or lying down in a comfortable place, deepen your breath. Lengthen the inhale and let the exhale come out through the mouth as a sigh a few times. Bring your awareness into the center of your chest, your heart chakra. Bring into your mind's eye an image of yourself having already achieved a goal you desire. For example, losing 20 pounds. As best you can, see yourself looking thinner and healthier. Imagine the details of your body, your surroundings. Make it fun. If you'd like, repeat a mental affirmation in the present tense. "I am now light, thin and healthy. I now weigh 120." Or whatever.

Take just a few minutes to do this every single day with your top priority goals and see what happens to your mental outlook (which of course directly affects your behavior.) If this exercise appeals to you, I highly recommend you check out Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain at your local library.