Visualisation vs. Action: Finding the Balance
Have you ever visualised your dream life so vividly that you felt like you were already there?
And then reality hits—your dream life doesn’t magically show up. Why? Because visualization without action is like having a treasure map but forgetting to bring a shovel. Let’s fix that.
Visualization is powerful.
It’s like creating a mental blueprint for your goals. But here’s the catch: You can’t just sit there and daydream your way to success. Visualization needs action to turn it into reality.
In this blog, I’ll explore:
Why visualization is important.
Why action is the missing ingredient.
How to balance both to create the life you truly desire.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
The Missing Piece: Action
Why Visualization Matters
Let’s start with the good stuff: Visualization. It’s not just some woo-woo concept—it’s backed by science. Studies show that imagining your goals activates the same parts of your brain as actually achieving them.
Think about athletes—they mentally rehearse every move before a big game. This primes their mind and body for success. Visualization can do the same for you. It gives you clarity and motivation by painting a vivid picture of what you want.
But here’s the kicker: Visualization alone is like staring at the ingredients for a cake and expecting it to bake itself. You need to take action to turn that picture into reality.
The Missing Piece: Action
Here’s the harsh truth: Visualization without action leads to nothing but frustration. It’s like dreaming of being a chef but never turning on the stove.
Think of it this way: If you want to write a book, visualizing yourself as an author is a great start. But unless you sit down and write—even if it’s just a messy draft—you’ll never see that book come to life.
Ask yourself: What small step can I take today to get closer to my goal? The key isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
Finding the Balance
So how do you balance visualization and action? Here’s a foolproof framework:
Visualize Clearly: Be specific. Don’t just think, “I want to be successful.” Picture your dream job, daily tasks, and how it feels. Fun analogy: Think of your vision as ordering a pizza. If you’re vague about toppings, you might end up with pineapple when you wanted pepperoni.
Break It Down: Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). It’s like turning your vision into a to-do list.
Take Daily Action: Commit to one small step every day. Remember, even baby steps move you forward.
Reflect and Adjust: Periodically check in. Are your actions aligned with your vision? If not, pivot. It’s like adjusting your GPS when you miss a turn.
An Example to Bring It Home
Let’s say you want to open a bakery. Your dream is to see happy customers enjoying your pastries and running a cozy shop in the heart of the city. That vision is inspiring, but here’s the key: Without action, it stays a dream.
Start small:
First step: Test one of your recipes with friends and family.
Second step: Research what it takes to set up a business, like permits and equipment.
Third step: Begin saving or exploring funding options.
Each action, no matter how small, gets you closer to seeing your dream bakery come to life. It’s the little things that create momentum and ultimately lead to success.
The Shovel Test
To make this even simpler, I like to use what I call the “Shovel Test.” If you have a treasure map (your vision), ask yourself: What’s my shovel? It’s the first tool or action you need to dig in and start. Without it, that treasure stays buried.
Your Future Depends On What You Do
Conclusion
Visualization is the dream, and action is the plan. Together, they create a powerful combo that can transform your life.
Here’s my challenge for you: Take five minutes today to visualize your dream life. Then write down one small action you’ll take right now to move closer to it. Share your step in the comments below—I’d love to cheer you on!