Visual Aids
Using the imaging part of our brain is an important tool in the pursuit of life mastery.
As humans we possess the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. When we encounter an object, we decide what it is, and if it is real, based on these senses. Through our perception, plus imagination, we create images in our mind. These images can then be reproduced in material form, using our minds and bodies to mould materials from the physical world. An architect designs a building by first conceiving a plan, then he constructs a model to see what the finished building will look like. Finally the actual building comes into being.
Constructing visual images utilizes both sides of the brain. Words and auditory input pass into the intellectual section, while pictures flow into the creative side. If we can inject ideas into both sections simultaneously, we can increase both our power of retention, and our ability to manifest our goals. Images coupled with appropriate key words or sayings have great power.
I use treasure maps to focus on long term goals, and mind maps when taking notes at lectures. I find that when I review my mind map notes, I am able to quickly recollect a great deal of detail from lectures. It saves much time in a study situation. I have included an example of a busy treasure map. Linda is now a performer who frequently does gigs as an entertainer, her dream all those years ago!
Creating A Treasure Map
- When we conceive our goals, we can help cement them in our minds by externalizing them in the form of pictures. A treasure map is a graphical representation of a goal using drawings, key words, newspaper and magazine clippings, and other talismans which give life to your goal.
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Define a goal you wish to obtain. Write a story on what it would look like to have attained the goal. What would you have in your possession? Howwould you look? Whatchanges are in your living environment? Be specific and as detailed as possible. It may help to close your eyes, and draw a picture into your mind. The more detailed your description, the better.
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Take a large sheet of cardboard of your chosen colour. It is best if the colour reflects the goal you are working on achieving. Perhaps blue if you are looking at more relaxation, red for dynamism and creativity. The choice is yours. Often white is the best, because it is a neutral canvas.
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Look through old magazines and newspapers, find objects around the house, perhaps collect items relevant to your goal from outside. You could even use clay to make 3-D images on your map. Pick an item which gives life to each one of the main points in your story.
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Now design a layout for your map, using the items you have collected, in a way which makes your goal look real. When constructed properly, it will excite you at the prospect of achievement of the goal. The images stir your positive emotions.
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You can imagine what it feels like to have that yacht. Tropical beaches, a mountain of fresh fruit, friendly natives, island life. You in your tropical gear, sipping coconut juice from the shell. Perhaps a real piece of coconut, or the straw you will use. Snorkelling on coral reefs. Bathing in the sunshine. People having a good time in their swimwear. Sipping a cocktail by the pool. As you build up these images, and place representative objects on your map, you begin to taste and sense the goal being accomplished. How much pleasure that would give you?
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Place a photo of yourself in the centre of the sheet. Surround yourself with all of the other goodies. You may wish to draw arrows linking the items to your image, drawing them towards you. The more clearly defined and the more detailed the images, the easier it will be for you to see your goal accomplished.
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Place the completed map in a place where you will see it daily. Only show it to those who support you in obtaining your desires.
Each day, spend some time viewing your images, and imagining what it would be like to have achieved your goal. This will powerfully assist you to carry out your action plan to achieve the goal. It will magically draw your goal towards you, creating the opportunities you need to manifest it.
This article is an extract from “John Gaydon’s Life Mastery”, a personal development course to assist you to transform your life to one of freedom!
Wow!! I really like the idea of a treasure map. I love using visual aids to focus on my goals. This idea is really cool!
Melodie Kantner recently posted..Enhance Law of Attraction Affirmations With EFT
I Came here to tell you people that when you dream of something you can achieve it.Are Minds are very powerful and stop looking what is the secret to success theres no secret.So go out and get it fuck society what they tell you the only way you can achieve something is if you open the door
Yes, Ryan, your language is strong, but basically you are right. Visioning helps getting the dream crystal clear and feeling real. Focus comes from seeing your dream as reality. This helps you get through all the doubts, fears and knockers who would steal it from you. 2011 is a great time to stop procrasticnating and put that dream board together. Then make it so!
Hello John,
I love the design of your blog, and the flight of an eagle is inspirational.
This is a very helpful post, which anyone can use to help themselves succeed. It is really a way of using one’s subconscious mind to achieve our goals, which is very powerful.
All best wishes,
Diane
Diane Cleak recently posted..How to develop the Habits of Success!
Hi Diane, Thanks for your kind words. It is exciting to be able to share things that people can use to create real results. The internet really is a wonderful place for all of us to achieve our dreams.
I have been implementing this at the moment but somehow there are times when I slip. However, I do my best everyday to take action to bring me closer into achieving my dreams.
Hang In There Walter. So many times I ahve written as et of goals down at the beginning of the year. I get the list out at Christmas and most of the time I can tick them all off! Taking the action of building your map is the key. You are well on your way.
Hi John,
I love the concept of a treasure map because it evokes a vision of action, adventure, and obstacles overcome! It suggests a need to get out there and DO SOMETHING as opposed to sitting around having a vision.
It would be really cool to see your Treasure map!
Mentor Mama
HI Nancy,
Thanks for the comment. You are obviously a good mentor! It inspires me to get my treasure map up to date. There isn’t much left to create from the old one! For instance right now we are at Bryce Canyon, Utah. It is half a world away from home in Australia and we were able to create this trip for free as a reward to for being the best in our MLM company. Dream vacations were high on the list and the last 8 years we have had at least one free one every year!
I guess treasure maps, vision boards, dream boards, or whatever you like to call them work!
John,
I like the way you use the “treasure map” concept. I have a similar practice I call “vision boarding”. I have different pictures, key words, and visual representations of my dreams and desires in life…those things I wish to achieve or manifest. It works…some of them have come about, others are in process, and some are still to come. Great steps you lay out for folks to use to create this for themselves. Kind of reminds me of the movie “field of dreams”…”if you build it they will come”. If you build it (your vision board…or treasure map)…then IT will come!
Cheers,
Krista
Hi Krista,
Vision Board is the same thing – different name. Thanks for sharing it will encourage others to do this too.
Something your comment brings to mind is how marketers keep renaming things so they can sell them as their own!
Take care
John, this is an amazing post – I was in a workshop a few years back that focused on this technique, totally forgot about it and need to put something together asap.
Tim Somers recently posted..Multi Level Marketing Business Prospect Qualifying
Hey John…when I was in 8th grade (about 35 years ago) we made something very similar. It was not called a treasure map but it was set up very much the same. I still remember that thing…I suppose they really do have a great deal of power when made and then seen on a daily basis to help shape our destiny just a bit. What a great reminder…thanks so much!
Bruce Backman recently posted..Keep Working at Your Game-an example from Dimitar Berbatov
Hi Bruce, It is so wonderful to be able to jog a few memories on the fundamentals of success. I wrote my course several years ago and never really got it out to the world. Watch out for some more extracts soon. Thanks again
John you have such good ideas. Thanks for another great post.I like this idea and will put it in action with my goals.You are a real motivator.
Beverly Monical recently posted..Why Should You Sponsor Shop
Hi John, A few years back we did something similar, and on the “map” I pasted a cutout of a toyota van that we really wanted. A few months later we had the van! That’s the fun part. But, it didn’t come as a result of working toward our goals. It came as a result of our wanting the car and getting it through a sizable car loan over a 5 year period. What do you make of that?
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Hi Richard,
Thanks for your comment. I have seen some pretty amazing stuff happen. It doesn’t matter how achieving your goal comes about. When you acknowledge and are grateful for what manifests, you get more of it! As for the money, you simply didn’t beleive you deserved to get it for free! It is important to focus on your achievment, rather than how it came about. When we purchased our house, we visualised it, sat on the concrete slab and felt it was ours. Then we asked the real estate agent what we ahd to do to get it. We ahd no cash at the time. We were told we needed $13,100 in 6 weeks or it would be sold to someone else. We did many things over the next few weeks, and made it with a week to spare.
Had we not done this, life would be very different now! Congratulations on manifesting the car. Who cares how it happened!!
The suggestion of drawing a picture of one’s mind is excellent, never thought of that technique. The way you wrote this post really displays that you know what you are writing about. Writing a story about one’s goals was another step that is intriguing.
John, thanks for this fabulous post.
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City USA
Perry A Davis Jr recently posted..What is the most vital ingredient for success in network marketing
Great post! It’s always important to have a visual reference to remind us of what we are striving for. It’s especially helpful when we’re having one of those days when everything is going wrong.
Hi John,
I hadn’t heard this technique described as “Treasure Maps” before but it makes perfect sense and I do love a good treasure hunt! I love the idea of using them to take notes and may just have to try that in the near future. Thanks for the idea.
I use mind maps to take notes. Perhaps I put too much in this article! I will be adding one on mind maps shortly. I used them for my entire University Degree. No written notes at all!
John,
I created a vision board/dream board/treasure map this past December. I pass by it every day, several times each day, and sometimes stop to reflect on what I truly desire. The more I view it, the more natural it feels and I know it is already here just waiting to manifest into external reality.
Thanks for a great post.
Warmly,
Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Does YOUR Face Need Surgery STOP! Read This First
Hi John,
Thank you for sharing your life experiences in your video – pretty amazing. I haven’t been very good at creating dream boards, or “Treasure Maps” although they are fun to do. Your article has inspired me to do more of them… wonderful to meet you too through TSA!
Lesly recently posted..Your Amazing Body Series 4 – Stem Cells
Hi Lesley,
I think the trick with all visualistion is to immerse yoruself in the feelings of reaching your goals. I have dusted out old treasure maps and goal lists, and been amazed at how many things had been accomplished! It is just a tool to help us stay focused!! Good to connect with you too.