I can personally attest to the power of visualization many times over, but the experience that especially stands out for me was while I was preparing for the 2005 Vineman Ironman triathlon. It had been 15 years since I completed an Ironman, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to do another one with my son watching, and have him run the last 100 yards across the finish line with me. So what did I do…? While training and preparing for this race months in advance, I kept playing the scene over and over in my head of my son and I crossing the finish line together. It was very powerful for me. Some times I would become almost emotional while thinking about it. And let me tell you that emotion is perfectly fine while visualizing. It means that you are right there with what it is that you want to accomplish. You are totally feeling it in your heart and soul. When I would visualize having my son be in the race with me, it was like I knew in advance how special that emotion would feel to have him cross the finish line with me. I knew how special it was for me to have completed an Ironman. I had that passion and emotion from my two previous experiences. I wanted my son to have that experience as well.
Come race day I had my usual bout of jitters and nervousness, but I also had a great sense of calm. My then 11 year old son was with me, and I felt like I had a special mission that day. This race wasn’t just about me; it was for both of us. My son didn’t know of my plan to grab him and have him cross the finish line with me.
I had a long day ahead of me, but I was certainly motivated and had a dream to fulfill! Everything went perfectly. Although my finish time wasn’t where I wanted it to be, my body held up, my son got to see me “in action”, and I was able to fulfill my dream of having him cross the finish line with me! It happened just the way I had visualized it all those months before. It was a very special experience to say the least; even more special because I was able to create it just like I wanted to! Visualization is such a powerful tool. I encourage you and urge you to make it a part of your daily routine while working toward making your goals and dreams come true!
Visualization is so important. It’s why I chose the title for my book. “A cure for Emma” …Build it and they will come, right?
Thanks for your blog Brian 🙂
Many Blessings,
Julie xx
Brian,
Thank you so much for this timely blog post. I finished having my family which includes a 3 year old and 1 year old twins. I am now embarking on the biggest health and fitness goal I have ever tried to achieve.
My 2 year HS reunion is in August, 5 months from now. I was shy and a little disconnected during HS. Now, I have found myself and am really excited to see all of my old classmates. I envision myself walking in 30 lbs lighter and beautiful – like a movie star. I have a long way to go, but I believe that if I visualize greeting everyone I won’t fall back into the shy person I once was around these people. I just love visualizing. It feels so great to actually live it now – even if it is only in my mind. I have yet to experience any strong emotions yet, but I am sure this is coming. What has happened is that I reinvent or tailor “the look” I am going to go for. It is like ‘take 1’, ‘take 2’ etc! Thanks for the timely confirmation.