Learning Visualization
I grew up immersed in sports where visualization reigned supreme. This term and mental practice was taught over and over again at every level—from little league all the way up through my college baseball career.
We used to visualize ourselves having success, bringing in as many senses (sight, touch, smell, sound, etc.) to our visualization as possible. I was a center fielder and a leadoff hitter so I would close my eyes and visualizing myself making diving catches, hitting line drives up the middle, stealing bases, scoring and celebrating with my teammates.
The more I saw it, felt it, replayed it in my mind, the more I believed that it was true. The interesting thing about the mind is that it has a difficult time distinguishing between reality and imagination. The power of visualization became real to me as I started to see my confidence and my performance rise.
Learning Servant Leadership
Leadership was another term that was thrown around a lot in athletics. I learned from an early age that I could influence people to do their best and to strive for more. I learned servant leadership by example because I was blessed to be around some great hall of fame coaches in my playing days.
Early on, I was taught I could lead from any role on any team. Leadership had nothing to do with power and everything to do with serving others, ultimately cultivating a culture where we all wanted to be more for each other, and do more for each other. But I didn’t discover one of the best practices of leadership until I graduated from college and started coaching.
What is Servant Visualization?
For me, servant visualization is an idea that combines the traits I have learned from servant leadership and mental imagery. Servant visualization puts the focus on others, visualizing their success first instead of our own.
I received some of the best advice while I was being recruited in high school. “Worry about winning the games and your stats will take care of themselves.” In other words, help your teammates and you’ll help yourself.
This is the same idea with servant visualization. Visualize how you can serve and help people. See, feel and celebrate their wins. With that, your success will take care of itself, and your leadership will grow exponentially.
Why does Visualization Work?
By visualizing others success first we can focus on serving others for their own good, not just the good of the team or organization. It is about seeing and pouring energy into relationships beforehand, encouraging their growth and overcoming their fears so they can step into their unique potential.
What are the Benefits of Visualization?
Servant visualization requires you to want something for someone else—perceive it, believe it, and help others achieve it. It motivates and inspires you to lead with your heart. Over time, the process and energy you put into servant visualization will begin to shift not only their life, but your life in a positive direction. It is a form of leading with love.
This doesn’t mean that you will help everyone achieve success along the way, but it will optimize their performance by creating belief and motivation. It ensures that you love them, care for them, and want what is best for them like all great leaders do.
Leadership looks a lot like love, and it starts with visualizing other people’s success, not just your own.
CENTERED LEADERSHIP
With this online course you'll become centered in your purpose so that you can authentically influence and impact others.
