Visualizing Success

Happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Mine was lovely, but as always – too short! 😉 I’ve been reading a new book and was inspired to write today’s post because of it. “Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life” is a cross between a self-help book and a good ass-kicking, written by Jillian Michaels. Yes, the tough-as-nails trainer on Biggest Loser is writing self-help books. Before you roll your eyes and close this window – hear me out. She’s not one of those new Age fruit loops telling you that if you “want it bad enough” you will achieve your dreams. No, she knows it’s harder than that. She has a 3-step process (I’m only reading step 2 right now) of how to obtain this exceptional life you crave.

So far, I love the book. It’s down-to-earth and makes SO much sense. For example, how many times do you wish for change – but not know what needs to change? You’re unhappy. You want to be happy. OK…what is making you unhappy? Get specific. Don’t place blame (because we all know that isn’t productive or useful). Get down to the root of the issue and ask yourself “How can I make this better?“. One of the many things Jillian recommends is to visualize yourself in the successful position/job/life you want.

Now, it might sound hokey – but it works! Saturday morning I decided to try it out, I pictured myself being strong and healthy. I pictured myself shopping wherever I want (vain I know, but I am a clotheshorse!), I visualized myself getting certified to teach Pilates and buying bellydance costumes that actually showed off my belly (two of my many goals).  Then, I got my butt to the gym and had an amazing workout. I felt like I was on fire! It was like I was being driven by the life I could be leading. I am usually not a fan of doing upper body exercises (I feel like I have a stronger lower body – which I think is true of most women).  But, on Saturday I blew through tricep dips, bicep curls and rows without a second thought. I’m still never excited to do them, but picturing sleeveless shirts pushed me to try harder and complain less in my head.

Ironically, my Shape magazine arrived that day and guess who was on the cover? She looks fantastic!

Have you ever visualized yourself where you want to be in life? Do you find it helpful to “daydream” (for lack of a better word) about this future you? Are you taking the necessary steps to make that future a reality?

For me, I need constant reminders that if I want to lose weight, I need to work on it every day. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I need to eat healthy 90% of the time and only have treats 10% of the time. I need some sort of physical activity daily – even if it’s just a small dose. I’m changing my life forever, not for a little while.  So, these visualizations should help to “check” me on the days when I want to be lazy and just eat junk.

Has anyone else read the book? Did you love/hate it? I’m open to everyone’s opinion (even when it doesn’t match my own).  Are you visualizing yourself in your future awesomeness (whether weight-related or not)?

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