But what is the difference between seeing and visualizing? Do you ever sit back and see in your mind’s eye, things you want to materialize in your life?

Merriam-Webster defines:

• visualization –
• a: formation of mental visual images
• b: the act or process of interpreting in visual terms or of putting into visible form

• see –
• a: to apprehend objects by sight
• b: to have the power of sight
• c: to perceive objects as if by sight

Visualization must, of course, be directed by the will; we are to visualize exactly what we want; we must be careful not to let the imagination run riot. Imagination is a good servant but a poor master, and unless it is controlled it may easily lead us into all kinds of speculations and conclusions which have no basis or foundation of fact whatever. Every kind of plausible opinion is liable to be accepted without any analytical examination and the inevitable result is mental chaos. Seeing is outward physical action, visualizing is done with the imagination. Visualizing is a type of imagination where we ‘see’ something in our mind’s eye. It’s the ability to create an image in your mind and look at it.

Charles Haanel, The Master Key System, 16-35

Visualization is when you think about something that you want to happen. The more you focus on something, the more likely you are to see it in your life.

You’ve probably heard the saying that if you want something, you should focus on it, merging seeing and visualizing.

The more you think about it, the more likely it is that you will achieve it. You will look for opportunities to make your goal a reality.

Make the Mental Image; make it clear, distinct, perfect; hold it firmly; the ways and means will develop; supply will follow the demand; you will be led to do the right thing at the right time and in the right way. Earnest Desire will bring about Confident Expectation, and this in turn must be reinforced by Firm Demand. These three cannot fail to bring about Attainment, because the Earnest Desire is the feeling, the Confident Expectation is the thought, and the Firm Demand is the will, and, as we have seen, feeling gives vitality to thought and the will holds it steadily until the law of Growth brings it into manifestation.

Charles Haanel, The Master Key System, 7-18

Can Visualization Help You Reach Your Goals?

Visualizing our goal can help us understand potential challenges we may face. This way, we can develop strategies for overcoming them.

When we have a clear image of the goal in our mind, it gives us a sense of direction and purpose. And leads us toward actually seeing it manifest.

If you want to start adding the practice of visualization into your life, here are the steps that you can follow:

• Find a quiet place to sit where you will not be disturbed for 5 or 10 minutes. To help yourself relax, close your eyes and take several deep breaths.
• Choose a goal that you want to achieve.
• Imagine yourself achieving that goal. Imagine it clearly with every detail you can think of. See yourself succeeding in your mind’s eye.
• Feel the emotions associated with achieving your goal.
• Believe in yourself and your ability achieve anything you set your mind to.
• Practice doing this at least once a day.

Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals and make lasting changes in your life. Start creating mental pictures of where you want to be and how you’d like to get there.

Visualize the end result, and you’ll be well on your way to making it happen. You’ll experience the difference between seeing and visualizing, and maybe even see that the two have merged.

Need some hands-on help in making this happen for you? Join our next class session of the Master Key Experience and get some free hints and offers in the mean time!