#233: Positive Imaging

Have you ever seen pictures of ancient cave drawings?

Many times these drawings depict figures of men armed with spears attacking animals such as bison or buffalo. Researchers tell us that these drawings are tens of thousands of years old and were part of primitive rituals designed to bring the cave-dwelling hunters good fortune in their quest for food.

Amazing, isn't it, that before the dawn of history men vividly imagined their success. Furthermore, in the fashion of the drawings, they "wrote" down their goals. Additionally, many of the drawings were painted with primitive but long-lasting colors on the ceilings and walls of the caves, a sort of motivational picture album.

There was no doubt what those men's goals were.

Now, hundreds of centuries later, researchers have concluded that the same visualizing techniques are stepping stones to our success, whether in the corporate arena or on a journey to weight loss and better health.

Do you have concrete goals? Are they written down where you will see them every day as the cave dwellers did? Are they reinforced with visual cues such as the primitive paint used by cavemen?

Imagine a close friend telling you they want to lose weight. "How much?" you ask. "I'm not sure," they reply. "Well, when do you want to lose this weight?" "I'm not sure." "What is your plan for healthy eating and exercise to help you lose this weight?" Again, they reply, "I'm not sure."

Not much chance of their success, is there?

Goals must be specific. "I will lose 40 pounds."

They must have a time line attached to them. "I will lose 40 pounds in the next six months."

And they must be visualized daily through motivating pictures and positive reinforcing statements such as, "I CAN do this." I WILL succeed." "I WILL become thinner and healthier."

It's true that the cavemen could not vocalize their desires as we do today, but if a systematic setting of goals and reinforcement worked for them, surely it will also work for us, won't it?