Visualization
The first step to succeeding in anything we do is to have a clear vision of success and a realistic approach of how to achieve it. Visualization is the approach we will use to create our vision. Think about visualization like practice before the big game. If you create a vision of your perfect game, and you play back the vision over and over, by the time game day comes, it will be as though you’ve done it a million times. You may have never stepped foot on the court, but you already know exactly what to do. You know the story. You know the ending. All you have to do is play your vision one more time, except in real life. I cannot give you a vision of what success in college is, you’ll have to define it for yourself, but don’t worry, I can help you find it, and it isn’t too difficult.
Visualization is a tool that many professionals use to achieve success. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a professional to use it. It’s rather simple. First of all, you’re going to have to use your imagination. That’s right folks, a little day dreaming will go a long way in the ways of successful college preparation.
Follow this exercise from Jack Canfield’s “The Success Principles.” It will help you discover your vision (I’ll adapt it to college preparation).
Start by putting on some relaxing music or sitting quietly in a comfortable environment where you won’t be disturbed. Then, close your eyes and ask your subconscious mind to give you images of what your ideal college experience would look like if you could have it exactly the way you want it, in each of the following categories (have a notepad available to record important details):
Financial - First focus your mind on the financial aspect of your college experience. What kind of costs and expenses will be associated with your college experience (including tuition, living expenses, and extra spending money). What are your living arrangements. Do you live in a dorm, house, apartment? Do you have roommates? Do you have a car? Motorcycle or scooter? Bicycle? Bus pass?
Academics - What does success in college look like? Where do you sit in the lecture hall? Who do you surround yourself with for success? What will it be like spending countless hours at school, in the library, and at your secret study location (we’ll talk about this later)? What clubs will you join? Will you rush for a fraternity or sorority?
Free Time – This may be one of the most important, yet underrated aspects of visualization. It is imperative that you have a plan for what to do with your free time, otherwise when it does come you won’t be productive with it, and when it’s time to study you’ll feel like you never get to do anything fun. What are your hobbies or interests? Visualize yourself spending your free time doing things you love.
Health and Fitness – You’ve all heard of the Freshman 15 (gaining 15 lbs your freshman year). This exercise is a little preventative maintenance to combat that. Visualize yourself with perfect health and at your ideal fitness level. What type of work is required for you to be in this position? Are you lean, and flexible? Are you strong? Do you eat well? All of these ideas will bring you closer to your healthiest self.
Relationships – What are your ideal relationships with family and friends? What is the quality of friendship you are looking for? Do you want to date or marry? Are you able to commit in the way you deem necessary? What type of responsibility is required for each relationship you have, and are you capable of handling it? What type of commitment is required to nurture these relationships? Visualizing your ideal relationships will help you understand exactly how much work it is going to take, and whether or not each relationship is worth the commitment. We can’t be friends with everybody, there isn’t enough hours in the day.
Community – Finally we will focus on community. What does your community look like at optimal performance? What kind of community activities take place there? What kind of charitable work are you able to do? What can you do to help others and make a difference in your community? How often will you be able to participate in these activities? A clear vision of community will make you a better citizen.
You can write your answers down as you go or do the entire exercise and then open your eyes and record the information. But it is important that your visualizations be recorded. Your entire college plan will be built according to your vision of optimum college life. You will review the vision daily, and this will keep your conscious and subconscious minds focused on your vision.
Forward to Part 2: Planning and Organizing
Tags: college life, college preparation
