John Paul Getty said there were 3 secrets to success:
- Get up early
- work hard
- find oil
Okay, 99.99% of us are not going to find oil. However, I think that he meant number 3 to be Visualize and Believe in Yourself! At least that’s my suggestion for your third secret to success.
Do you visualize your success? Do you set your intentions and then manifest the outcome through not only believing but “seeing” it happen?
I learned visualization at an early age as a competitive youth athlete. I’d watch professional athletes on tv and then imagine myself with their form, speed, and agility. In the starting gate, or on the starting block, I’d imagine the gun going off, myself competing with my very best form, and then finishing, first.
In high school, our volleyball coach would have us do team visualization at the end of practice. We’d all be lying down on the gym floor, eyes closed, as she took us through plays and the outcome.
I didn’t realize that it wasn’t a concept that most people are familiar with until I was watching an Oprah episode on OWN last night. She said, until recently, it was a foreign concept to her.
She showed an excerpt from an episode with Jim Carey where he said that he visualized having the things that he desired for his life. He acted as though he had them already, even though he hadn’t accessed them yet. He believed those things were going to come to him.
He wrote himself a ten million dollar check and put it in his wallet 3 years prior to receiving the actual check. It was worn and tattered but a daily reminder of his goals and his intentions. Not wants.
He said he acted as if he already had the things that he believed that he could have. His actions were in alignment with what he believed and that those things would come to him.
The connection from setting an intention, or something you wish to manifest in your life, to it becoming reality is fueled by the visualization component. This IS the see it to believe it! When you see the outcome you begin to vibrate that energy.
For example when I set out to solder something difficult, I take a moment and tell myself that I can do this “no problem” (that takes care of the ego wanting to insert the fear and self-doubt), I ”see” the steps and the successful outcome. *Then* I turn the torch on and complete the process.
When I write a check to pay a bill, I imagine cash flowing into my account from the abundance of the universe replacing what’s leaving…with more! It’s just part of how I approach nearly all of my daily routines, but I believe it’s the essential part of each of the processes. When I forget to take the time to do this is when I run into issues.
Try this next time you have to drive to an appointment (imagine traffic-free roads), make a presentation (I escort fear and doubt out the door of the room), take a test (imagine all the answers flowing freely and effortlessly), meeting someone new (imagine the smiles, laughter, exchanging of info), etc. It is applicable to just about any circumstance or situation in your life.
Believe in you! I sure do 😉
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My connection to you has been brought about by my visualizations and connection to intention. I am so blessed to know you and look forward someday to meeting you.
“imagine cash flowing into my account from the abundance of the universe replacing what’s leaving” …I may just have to repeat that one Tonya. You are an inspiration (and good friend) to me. Thanks as always!
“Seeing” Tonya showing fear and doubt the exit made me giggle a little … I’ll be saving this post for repeat encouragement 🙂
Thanks for writing and sharing your good vibes with us, Tonya!
I want to thank you for all of your inspirational words of encouragement. It has been a long hard road for myself and my family, I have just recently, at the age of 40, discovered purpose and passion in my life, and healing through finding my creativity. I am 14 months clean and sober and the changes happening in our lives are phenomenal! Since discovering your site and reading your words you have most definitely been an inspiration to me to find success through creativity and purpose. I look forward always to reading your articles! Thank you for sharing your passion, experience and wisdom to help others grow.
Tana–you are awesome to create such positive change!
I’m going to list these three at the bottom of my End of Day recaps as a good reminder daily!
I get the first 2. I work long hours and create piece that have people gasping in awe & delight at shows – then they walk away. The problem is, in this economy, is finding the “oil”. People are too busy trying to pay their mortgage & other bills to indulge in jewelry. I’m in 3 galleries, and now they are asking for pieces that RETAIL under $40. as that is all they can sell. And this is a very wealthy town! I believe in myself & my work, teach at local universities & art centers, and am quite well known around here, but still can’t make a living with my craft. A few years ago I was knocking down a few grand a month, now a hundred is a good week. I keep hearing “It’s the economy, stupid.” but is it like this for other parts of the country?
There is nothing quite like receiving positive support — THANK YOU TONYA!
Looking within ourselves — there is where the “oil” can always be found. Things can be collapsing around you and low and behold, you’re still standing – smell the roses for a moment.
Tonya, thank you for your generosity of spirit and knowledge. I have been playing with the basics of metal clay for a couple of years and exploring what I can do with just a torch. I see that kiln in my studio (just haven’t accessed it yet). There have been times when I have felt limited by not having a kiln (which I know is just a stepping stone), but your encouragement to visualize a goal has fanned the flames of creativity and tenacity in my heart and mind. Thank you so much.
Visualization works! Even my business card proclaims that I am an artist and jewelry designer as if I were internationally known when I’m not yet known locally. But they have introduced me to other artists and jewelry designers who are helping me to achieve my life’s dream…at 72! I’ve visualized a studio, and created two! One in a spare bedroom, and one in a storage shed for those larger, dustier, noisier projects. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation!
I just found your site and have almost read all your articles up to date.
Your posts truly are motivational and food for thought!
Thanks,
Dan
Virtually all of what you point out happens to be supprisingly accurate and that makes me wonder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this with this light before. Your piece truly did switch the light on for me as far as this issue goes. However there is 1 factor I am not necessarily too comfy with and while I try to reconcile that with the actual main idea of the issue, allow me see what all the rest of the subscribers have to point out.Well done.
Its nice to actually read about this “new age”, but rather easy way of thinking about achieving success in what we want. This thought process is the core element of “The power of positive thinking” (by Norman Vincent Peale), and more recently by the author of the book “The Secret”…..it can be applied to any desire or goals in our lives. See it, believe it, KNOW IT, act “as if” and, it WILL BE!! I’ve mixed feelings about it though, as there are times I’ve followed this theory, way of thinking & believing, and……it didn’t work. This is where my faith in a higher being comes into play though, since I’m a person of strong faith, if my dream doesn’t materialize, than its simply not time yet! Nonetheless, it’s a great approach & you can’t go wrong because there’s nothing wrong with positive thinking! I would suggest though to be cautious at times, lol…..e.g. Don’t leave your day job until you’ve achieved your self actualization! Still, that being said, great post!!