The Theater In Your Child’s Mind and Positive Visualization

In a previous post we talked about the importance of monitoring our thoughts. We learned that we become what we think about most of the time. The challenge is to control thoughts of past failures, present and future problems. The goal… To replace those thoughts with thoughts of success and victory.

The best way to help teach your child to control his thoughts is with a fun concept called visualization. Positive visualization or mental rehearsal, as it’s sometimes referred to, is practiced by top performing men and women in all kinds of situations. Athletes, entertainers, public speakers are just a few of the professions where the champions rely heavily on this discipline. We have a theater in our mind and it’s open 24 hours a day! Positive visualization is how we make sure that good movies are playing. So how can this help you and your child?

Let’s pretend your child has an important project which will require him so speak in front of his class or maybe the entire school. Now keep in mind this is just an example, but the idea is to use visualization on just about everything, especially the tasks which he may feel challenged and fearful of. Say to him something like this..”Son it’s your turn. You feel calm, your muscles are relaxed, you’re breathing easily, you’re on your way up to the stage and you’re taking your time. You stand confident and speak clearly; everyone can’t wait to hear your presentation. During your presentation everyone is focused on you because your doing such a great job. You finish and everyone claps! You did fantastic!”

Using the theater of the mind to rehearse success will be very powerful for you and your child. I encourage you to try it! Just remember when you visualize and self-talk (Incidentally, it’s ok to talk to yourself. It’s even ok to answer, just as long as you don’t say “huh?” to the answers.) You have to imagine vividly that it’s actually happening. You must also talk and visualize in positive terms, “I am relaxed” I gave a great presentation” Not “I will not screw up".