The Power Of Creative Visualization - Ashanti Johnson

I’ve always visualized, I just didn’t know it.

Every daydream, every mental movie created in anticipation of an important outcome, even prayer at times were all mini (sometimes long) visualization sessions. It wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I realized the power of visualization.

I was the black sheep of my family moving from one career to another. From accounting to sales, even becoming a makeup artist for a short stint. They were worried if I’d ever settle on a path where I could grow. Little did they know, on my walks home, I was having conversations with myself daily about who I wanted to be, how I wanted to help people, what that would feel like & how life would transform.

One morning when getting ready for work, something told me to have my coffee on the balcony. As I felt the wind on my face from my 20th-floor apartment, I looked down and saw hundreds of cars below. A year earlier I had started moonlighting at a local health club, teaching aerobics, and was considering quitting my job to start a bootcamp on the Chicago lakefront. As I looked down at the cars a thought entered my mind “this is what your gym’s parking lot is going to look like.”

That moment did not feel unlike the other moments talking to myself while I walked home. I was just having fun, indulging in my dreams. I never told anyone about my mental movies I just replayed them repeatedly, in my mind.

1-year later I quit my job, started a bootcamp in Summer, and by Fall, opened my gym 360. Mind. Body. Soul. I was used to changing careers and having new beginnings and honestly didn’t think this would be different, and boy I was wrong. My business did well the 1st year and I was not ready for all of its success. My leadership style was not developed, my business savviness was less than savvy and all I had was my vision & desire. I made mistakes and kept going and by our second year, that parking lot looked just like it did in my visions.

I learned later about the power of visualization. I learned what I had done naturally was a technique and skill that was used by successful people all over the world. I was proof that it works!

Here is what I learned from my journey and many others:

• Visualization allows you to clarify your vision, not create it. You already created a vision, you just may not be able to access it. If not, sit down with yourself, close your eyes and allow it to come to you. Try not to puff up or shrink down. Start with one of these 3 scenarios:

1) A vision about your physicality. 2) A vision about making amends with someone you love. 3) A vision about anything you’d like.

Bring in your 5 senses of how it will feel for that vision to manifest.

• Visualization allows you to become aware of your vision and your feelings about your potential for manifestation. Any awareness of doubt or fear becomes an opportunity to root out that negative energy around your vision. Negative energy slows down your ability to see signs and take necessary steps towards your vision.

Giving visualization a shot is a powerful secret weapon in your life. Remember, you are doing it anyways. You might as well be intentional about your daydreams and mental movies.