When you have a goal in mind, do you ever find yourself envisioning it, feeling the accomplishment, or hearing the applause before you’ve even achieved it?
This phenomenon, known as visualisation, holds incredible power in shaping our reality and achieving our goals. But how does it work?
Visualisation isn’t just about seeing pictures in your mind. It’s about engaging all of your senses to make your goal feel tangible. Here’s the important bit – when you visualise success, your brain doesn’t differentiate between information that is imagined and information that is real. To your brain, it’s all the same!
As a result of this, your brain creates new connections that physically change the structure of your brain. Interconnected cells work closely together to create new behaviours and long-term memories – known as a neural pathway (footnote 1).
Your brain and its neural pathways perceive your visualised goal as a tangible reality, thereby preparing your mind and body to synchronise with this objective. Essentially, your brain operates under the assumption that your goal has already been accomplished. This remarkable phenomenon, referred to as neuroplasticity, underscores your brain’s incredible capacity to adjust and reconfigure itself (footnote 2). Astounding, isn’t it?
The human brain is naturally inclined to pursue fulfilment and the satisfaction it brings. Even when we complete simple tasks, our brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, contributing to this sense of pleasure.
What role do dopamine and serotonin play in the achievement of our goals?
These chemicals play a crucial role in strengthening goal-oriented actions. Dopamine, often called the ‘reward’ chemical, boosts motivation and satisfaction when you achieve or get closer to your goal. Serotonin cultivates feelings of happiness and focus. It reinforces the joy of accomplishment.
The presence of neurotransmitters explains why you feel fabulous when you achieve a goal!
In essence, adopting a growth mindset and leveraging your brains neuroplasticity can lead to personal growth and success across many areas, personally and professionally. Whether it’s skills development, career advancement, or personal growth, understanding how our brains shape our goals can enable us to achieve them more effectively.
Setting smaller goals is a great way to keep motivated when you’re visualising and working towards that bigger goal. You’ll get a quick boost of dopamine every time you complete a goal, allowing you to maintain your motivation. It’s a fascinating science!
So, when you have a goal in mind, remember to:
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Visualise it.
Feel it! Hear it! Know that you can do it! -
Break it down into smaller, achievable sub-goals to feel the full effect of dopamine and serotonin
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Celebrate each achievement – enjoy that feel good factor. You deserve it!
Footnotes
1 – A neuron is a cell that transmits information in the nervous system. A neural pathway is a series of connected neurons transmitting signals between different parts of the nervous system.
2 – Neuroplasticity, in simple terms, refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change throughout a person’s life. It involves the brain’s capacity to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections and pathways in response to learning, experience, injury, or environmental changes. Essentially, it’s the brain’s way of rewiring itself to learn new things, recover from injury, or adapt to different situations.
Additional Reading
Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset. What’s the Connection?
How Experience Shapes the Brain