Does visualization really work?
With the success and popularity of "The Secret" there has been a backlash that it is all hype and the principles do not work. I strongly disagree. I believe the Law of Attraction does work! There are a series of steps that you must to take to get the results you desire. I think some people are taking the information literally and then giving up on the process because they're not getting immediate gratification. Our society is now, now, now, faster, faster, faster, why? why? why?
Would you like to know the first most important step to get what you want? Do you notice a little voice in your head? "Yes, duh, of course I do but it doesn't work. As much as I'd like to believe. I'm not getting the results."
I know some of you are getting results however, what if you could get reach your goals faster? What if you achieved beyond what you believe you are capable of? What if you had ideas, concepts, projects and inventions that made a profound impact in the world?
Step #1 PERSISTENCE
"Never never never give up" Winston Churchill
I carry that quote with me on a 3x5 index card to drum it into my unconscious mind. Whenever I feel fear rise up within me, I pull out that card and read the sentence three times. I immediately feel the tension in my body release. My emotions settle and a burst of energy gives me resolve to keep going.
So what's this got to do with Jay Leno?
During my recent trip to the gorgeous countryside of Massachusetts for my husband's Prep School Reunion at Northfield Mount Hermon, I began to evaluate my life. We stayed on campus and being in the environs of educational life evoked distant memories. I felt nostalgic. I didn't have regrets. However, a sense of urgency arose within me to achieve way beyond my current accomplishments. Set new goals. Challenge myself. Believe in myself.
I began writing my Life plan. I closed my eyes and focused inwards. A big goal of mine is to be an international best selling author. I asked myself, "Who would I love to be interviewed by when that happens?" Jay Leno immediately sprung to mind. I love "The Tonight Show". Which led me to:
Step #2 My Visualization Process
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve" Napoleon Hill
So I wrote down my goal "Be interviewed by Jay Leno". I imagined what it would be like talking with him and the fun we'd be having and the specifics of the conversation. The reality is it was rather wild. I'll tell all in a little while!
It's important to combine step #1 by being persistent in your visualization process. You don't do it once and then think, "My goal didn't happen, this visualization stuff doesn't work". Consistent persistence is key!
During my week's stay in Massachusetts, I imagined talking with Jay while I was running laps on the track, in the car driving around Boston, sitting on the plane flying back to Los Angeles, even while I was brushing my teeth. I was inspired by Sam Walton's tenacity when I read his autobiography "Made in America". Even when I felt a little bit silly imaging chatting with Jay Leno, I silenced my inner critic and told myself "Why not? I'm interesting, talented and have a good heart."
What do you do when your still hear the self-sabotaging voice? Keep visualizing and tap into the feeling of optimism that if it's for the highest good, your wish will come to fruition.
Step #3 ACTION
"Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone" Robert Allen
Believing is not enough. You have to take physical steps to get the results you desire. As much as I'd like opportunities to land in my lap, I've discovered that by having willingness to take action and walking my talk, doorways open.
Well here's the fabulous door that opened. Two days after we arrived home from Boston, my husband Nick and I are sitting on the sofa and the phone rings. It's his Mom Jane. "We've been invited to go on the Jay Leno show on Friday do you want to go?" Nick said.
"Yes!" I said, leaping into the air.
Nick didn't understand why I was this excited. I hadn't told him I'd been doing this visualization process for days. I was in awe at the coincidence of events that I prefer to perceive as synchronicity.
I woke up on Friday like a child on Christmas Day. "We're going to "The Tonight Show" I squealed. I wanted to enjoy every moment of this. I had so much fun. Scott who worked on the show, gave up the royal tour of the lot at NBC. It was inspiring seeing the costume department and the area where future sets were being built. Finally we entered the studio and my heart leaped in joy as I was lead to my seat in the second row. In my mind, it was a fortuitous sign that I would indeed, be interviewed by Jay at a later date.
"My visualization worked gorgeous, it worked!" I said, grabbing at Nick's arm. I remembered how I'd been sitting on the plane and imaging this moment a couple of days before. Why not do a little more?
As people milled into the studio, I took one good long look at the stage and then I turned behind me to take in the details of the audience before I closed my eyes. I took several deep breaths into my body and pretended that I was up on stage with Jay having a fabulous conversation about my book "Unleash The Psychic In You".
I opened my eyes and felt content of the possibility I would talk to him at a later date. Moments later Jay Leno came out onto the set. The audience whooped and cheered. I could hardly contain myself. Now this is where step #3 is super important. Visualization is great however you have to take action.
Would you like to know how I ended up on stage?
"Would anyone like to come on up?" Jay said.
This is why I used the Robert Allen's quote "Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone".
I leaped out of my seat, raised my hand and shouted "Me, Jay, I do!" I couldn't believe I did that. I was setting myself up for rejection, feeling foolish. What if he blanked me? In that moment, which felt excruciatingly drawn out, I saw how the persistent practice of visualizing had created such a strong desire in me at an unconscious level. Despite my conscious fear of being embarrassed, I took action and asked for what I desired.
"The tall enthusiastic blond, come join me," Jay said.
"Yes!" I made my way quickly onto the set.
"What's your name?" Jay said.
"Joanna," I said.
"And where are you from Joanna?" Jay said.
"London, England" I said.
"Oh, London, England!" Jay said mimicking my British accent.
"Yes Jay," I said.
"And what do you do?" Jay said.
"I'm a Psychic Expert," I said.
"Oohh!" The audience responded, intrigued.
"So if you were really psychic, you'd know that I wanted you to spank me," Jay said.
"No problem Jay, I can do that right now," I said.
I lent forward and pretended to slap Jay's butt several times, with my husband standing next to me. It was hilarious. I was having such a blast. We talked for a few more minutes and then had a Polaroid taken of the three of us.
Before I left the stage I told Jay sincerely how much I love his work. I had a strong sense right then that I would be back on the show at a later date sitting in the hot seat talking about my best selling book.
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