Tale of Two Creations

Everything we see was created twice. The cars we drive, the homes we live in, the phones that we use. We are living in the tale of two creations.

The tale of two creations is the process in which we create something in our mind and then actively create it in our reality.

First Creation: The mind.

Visualization is imperative to success. We want to visualize the win and the process. This applies to any part of life. Visualization is a tool that can be used to alleviate some of the anxieties that come with the unknown. This is not to be confused with overthinking or ruminating. Overthinking and ruminating rob us of what we could learn from the experience.

Imagine you are about to go into an important presentation. What do you see? What do you smell? What are you wearing? What do those clothes feel like against your skin? What questions do you anticipate from the audience? How are you feeling? What is the outcome you want from this? What does success look like? If presenting brings uncomfortable feelings or a visceral reaction, visualize that, but also predict how you'll be able to soothe yourself to overcome that hurdle. Prepare rebuttals and answers to questions and objections that might be presented.

When I worked in retail, I participated in a quarterly experience where we could visualize the life we dreamed of. The room was dark, with yoga mats all across the floor. The music was calming. We laid on the mats. Calmed our breathing. We were led through different thought-provoking prompts. The most memorable being, "Visualize your dream day from start to finish." I visualized waking up in the morning, walking to my favorite coffee shop with my dog, dropping him off at home, and heading to the gym to work out. I'd finish my session and then start training clients. I'd do that for a few hours, then head home, have lunch, and read in my nook. Write. I'd then check in with my online clients. I'd make dinner and watch an episode of my favorite show.

I allowed myself to experience that life and worked to bring it to life. Sadly, I haven't reached the dog owner portion, but I have lived the life I visualized. I've walked to my favorite coffee shop. I loved it. I told myself the next time, I would add the steps and the work it took to get there. Which brings me to the second part of the tale of two creations. Creating it in your reality.

Second Creation: Reality

We've done the work of visualizing in the mind. We've seen the win. We've experienced the emotions. We've seen the steps we need to take. Now, it's time to put in the work. That takes courage and willingness to get up and give it a try every day. I would be lying if I said everything will happen exactly how you plan it. That is not how the human experience works. The driving force during this period is the picture of success we've imagined for ourselves. It has to be compelling enough to move us forward through the twists and turns that will be thrown in our path. Set actionable and specific goals that pull you in the direction that you want to go in. Create systems that are conducive to the life that you want and the outcomes that you want.

Visualizing is not enough. It's a significant step forward. Visualizing and action are a winning combo. Challenges will come.

Look forward to those challenges and how they refine you.

Below are some articles and resources that I have found helpful in my goal pursuit:

1. 5 Visualization Techniques : https://www.betterup.com/blog/visualization

2. Visualization: https://www.mindtools.com/a5ycdws/visualization

3. Forbes: The Power Of Visualization and How to Use it: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lidijaglobokar/2020/03/05/the-power-of-visualization-and-how-to-use-it/?sh=5c025ac16497

4. Andrew Huberman Goals Tool Kit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrtR12PBKb0&t=3622s