We can’t always control the events we encounter each day, but we can take steps to help create a positive attitude. One way to help realise the outcomes you want is, to begin with, visualisation. Former naval officer, Captain Jako Hall explains the benefits of visualising to stay on your desired course.
Being intentional shapes all other worthwhile personal attributes, and it is described as acting instead of being acted upon in your life. Visualization is one way to live more intentionally, and it is a powerful tool to help us live intentional lives. To live intentionally means to act with purpose. If we have visualized the outcome and even the path toward it, it is easier to act with intent to achieve what we have seen.
Just as a picture is worth, a thousand words, a visual image of a goal accomplished, a peaceful resolution to an interpersonal conflict, or a stress-free environment can teach us details and give direction that otherwise would escape us.
Creating a picture in your mind of a serene beach, forest, or another stress-free environment can lower anxiety and calm a troubled mind, but visualisation is even more potent than that. It can shape reactions and outcomes.
It is easy to become complacent in our lives and let external circumstances shape our thoughts, ideas, and actions. By visualizing the desired outcome, we now have an image of what we want, and it becomes clearer how to achieve this goal. We are better prepared to act according to the outcome we desire.
For example, imagine a parent facing a potentially challenging discussion with their teenaged daughter. Let’s say that some difficult decisions must be made in this family, and the parent is concerned about how the daughter will react.
Before talking with their daughter, preferably first thing in the morning while their head is free from other distractions that come with each day, this parent takes time to meditate and visualise how they want this conversation to proceed and end. They know what they want to achieve and can see in their mind’s eye the resolution they hope for.
Now, later in the day, when they sit down to talk with their daughter, the parent can immediately identify when the conversation is getting off course. They can recognize when a turn in the conversation will not lead to their imagined ending. They can lovingly steer the conversation and not be distracted by the daughter’s emotional reaction or be persuaded by anything that will not fit into the picture they visualized that morning.
In our example, the parent’s morning meditation and visualization will not dictate the daughter’s reaction to the discussion. Still, it can be powerful in controlling what could have been adverse reactions from the parent. Instead, focused on the peaceful resolution they envisioned, the parent can escape any attempts to provoke an emotional response or get off course, thus facilitating the desired outcome.
Beginning every day with a meditation and visual image of anticipated events can help us tackle the day with a sense of confidence and a positive attitude – eager to live out what we have visualised and create positive outcomes in our lives.
About Captain Jako Hall
Jako Hall is an experienced mariner and a former naval officer known for his strong work ethic and ability to lead and motivate crews. He pursued Maritime Studies at the University of Technology in Cape Town and has received the highest level of training in Navigation and Seamanship during his years in the Navy. After 13 distinguished years in the Navy, Jako joined the superyacht industry, following his passion for creating unique and exclusive experiences for high-net-worth clients. He’s managed multi-million euro projects that required attention to detail and efficiency and has a proven track record of operating at sea in remote and unsupported areas.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.
