‘If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it’
— William Arthur Ward (US Motivational Writer)
How does that quotation make you feel? Inspired? Or sceptical? Are you generally a ‘glass half empty’ kind of person, or a ‘glass half full’? Whether consciously or not, the way we think and how much we listen to that little voice in our heads can have a dramatic outcome on our lives, and on what we can achieve. Adopting a positive control over that voice and committing to taking the right steps towards our goals can be transformative.
I share with my clients a simple 4-step process called IVVM that helps them work towards achieving their dreams. By following the 4 steps with consistency and dedication, my clients are often thrilled by the positive and successful outcomes they achieve.
IVVM is not just a fantastic business tool, you can use it for any part of your life, big or small. From how you would like a certain meeting to pan out to the floorplan of your dream home by the sea. Let me share the process with you …
Idealisation
First, it is important to think of your ideal life. Think about your dreams and what an ideal world looks like for you. Focus on the areas of your life that matter and set the right dreams for yourself. Don’t be afraid to think big — shoot for the stars and at the very least you’ll hit the moon!
Consider:
- What are the things I want to be in my life
- What are the things I want to do in my life
- What are the things I want to have in my life
Include as much detail as you possibly can, and remember that this is a list for life, so it is fine to break it into stages, just don’t think too small!
It is VITAL to record these plans somewhere, in a notebook or on your computer for example, but not just in your head — it must be something real.
Visualisation
Invest 10 minutes each morning and evening — with your eyes closed — visualising everything you have written about, dreamt about and thought about as if it’s already real.
Visualise yourself achieving that dream. This gets you focused — and focus is the most powerful tool. Visualisation aligns your actions with your aspirations and helps you achieve. Once your goals are in your mind all the time, you will start achieving. Remember, goals can’t be vague – be specific!!
Do more than just thinking about your goal; train your brain to see yourself entering your new car or stepping inside the plane that takes you to your dream holiday. It can help to have actual visual reminders around you, so create a dream board — make a large collage of words, pictures, events, places — all the things that form your dreams and goals. Having this pinned to the noticeboard in your office or as your screensaver can really cement these aspirations in your mind’s eye.
Verbalisation
To at least some extent, whatever you tell your mind, it will believe. What do you have to tell yourself to see yourself in your ideal situation? Make a list of ‘I AM’ statements about your future self. Describe traits you want to build on to become the person you want to be, to do the things you want to do, to have and experience all you dream of doing.
Consciously plant into your mind the things that describe the identity you choose to have. ‘I am focused, I am prepared, I am disciplined, I am successful.’ Look at those ‘I am’ statements and begin adding goals — be certain to use positive words that are dynamic and will take you to where you want to be.
Read aloud your ‘I am’ statements every single day (at least twice) with as much passion, volume and desire as you possibly can. Print and laminate them — even put them in the shower if it helps! It doesn’t matter how you do it, but repeat this exercise every day. The more often you see your goals and repeat them, the easier it becomes for you to stick to your plan.
Materialisation
Choose every day to tell yourself that all you dream of will be yours and when you believe it you will see it.
Show up in your life, now is the time to take action! Put in the work that will lead towards achieving your goals. Write down any ‘wins’ from the last 24 hours, and then any action points for the next 24 that will lead towards accomplishing your goals.
Your goals and dream won’t just ‘materialise’, you need to make sure your work ethic matches your aspirations. Working on the basis that that you have clear goals and plans, and continue to pursue them with diligence, discipline and consistency, you will be surprised what you can achieve.
By incorporating the 4 steps of IVVM into your everyday life, you consistently immerse yourself in the imagery of your goals. Doing so strengthens your connection to them, making your dreams of success feel not just attainable but inevitable!
Go get what you want! Dream big!
