This concept, by the way, is a slightly different, more positive take on the old “grumble theory”: “Whatever one yearns for, once achieved, one yearns for more.” Human nature is exactly like that and the universe responds in kind. The other saying you’ve probably heard is: “Argue for your limitations, and rest assured, they most certainly will be.” Another keen illustration of the power of thought on our reality.

The second major lesson in creative visualization concerns one of the most common questions about long-term goal achievement – how can my personal visualization take account of all the external factors, including the people on whom I will depend, things outside my control? First of all, the visualized goal should be an outcome, rather than the way that outcome will be reached. If ‘Ottawa’ is your goal (to use a simple analogy) you can drive or fly or walk or take the train or be beamed there! You can do it quickly, cheaply, scenically, directly or indirectly. In fact there are many ways in which you can get there, and you may change strategy many times. So tying yourself down to the process how YOU expect things to follow is HIGHLY COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. Instead, allow your cybernetic (or goal-achieving mechanism) to choose what’s right step by step, moment by moment, using the vast resources of your subconscious to make the winning associations. Otherwise put, a missile targeting New York is not programmed to take in the fantastic views of the Grand Canyon en route!

So concentrating on the process rather than where you want to be will actually not impede, but BLOCK your progress. The unconscious right-brain cybernetic system does not need conscious interference. Trying hard does not guarantee success. And negative self-talk about any aspect of your set goal is setting yourself up for failure. So think it, believe it, then let it go. There has to be a dream that takes you forward. And that’s what it means to practice success – and successful creative visualization. What to do next?

To view other videos in the “Marketing You” Video Series about marketing yourself to employers and recruiters please view Introduction to Marketing You, Success and Creative Visualization, 60 Second Pitch,  Job Interview Tips, Resume Writing and Resume Cover Letters videos. The next video in this series is 60 Seconds To Winning The Job Interview.

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