Last week, International Coach Federation (ICF) celebrated international coaching week. Our local chapter recognized this celebration by hosting an event sponsored in part by Telus World of Science Edmonton – thank you, TWOSE.   

My colleague, Kathleen Cameron, and I were privilege to present in the Ziedler Dome (if you haven’t checked out this venue – do it!). We presented on the science behind why coaching works. The session explored basic concepts of neuro anatomy, neuroplasticity and learning and memory. From these brain-basics we introduced visualization as a powerful coaching tool; including some simple tips about how to make visualization even more effective:

·         Visualize what you want; stated in the positive; what specifically do you want MORE of?

·         Fire up all your senses; get specific and rich about what you, see, smell, hear taste and feel.

·         Shift perspective; from your shoes, through your eyes (associated visualization); and, as if you were looking upon yourself through someone perspective (dissociated visualization).

·         Amplify your experience; take the time to turn up the volume on what you imagine, just like you would turn up the volume on your favorite song.  

·         Practice makes perfect; once is not enough, how might you make visualizing what you want a daily practice. 

The simplest way to put it: your brain experiences visualization the same way it experiences doing.

The things you do, you get better at.

Now imagine you put this simple concept to work for the things you really want in life.      

I’ve put this skill to work for myself in actualizing more confidence in my own coaching and consulting practice. In exchange of doubt and insecurity, I visualize myself with calm, capable, competent, confidence. I’ve worked hard to gain the skills and capabilities of coach and consultant; now I use visualization to get out of my own way, so that I am better able to share my skills and capabilities with others. When I practice visualizing myself as calm and confident, I become it, just the way I want it.

If you’ve taken the time to read this, what’s the harm in taking a few more moments to imagine something you might want more of in your life, be it a quality or a skill you’re building in yourself. Now If you’ve taken the time to imagine something you might want more of, what’s the harm in seeing yourself with it or doing it – just for a few moments of every day – while you’re brushing your teeth, perhaps. 

Go on. Give it a go… A 20-day challenge be upon you! Let me know how it goes!