Visualize YOUR Success

By Harvey Mackay
Like a million other people, Major James Nesmeth dreamed of improving his golf game. Circumstances forced him to quit the game for seven years. And yet, the next time he played, he shot 74!
You see, Nesmeth spent seven years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. For most of his imprisonment, he saw no one, spoke to no one, and could barely move in his small cell space. As the weeks dragged on, he realized he would lose his sanity or even his life if he didn’t keep his mind active. He learned to visualize.
He decided to play golf. He pictured his favorite golf course and played 18 holes every day. He dreamed every detail, from his clothes to his golf clubs and all the sights and smells of the course. He imagined different weather conditions, different cup placements, different seasons. He saw his swing improve. He watched the ball sail down the fairway, and rejoiced as he sunk every putt.
"Visualization allows you to see your ideal tomorrow."
Nesmeth played a full round of golf every day, seven days a week, for seven years. All this time, his physical condition was deteriorating. But he kept his mind in tip-top shape. And the first time he played after his release, he shaved 20 strokes off his game—all because of the power of visualization.
Projecting yourself into a successful situation is the most powerful means of attaining personal goals. Success is no surprise to visionary people. They know what they want, determine a plan to achieve it, and expect positive results.
Tom Fatjo knew what he wanted to do, and turned a $500 investment and a used garbage truck into the country’s largest solid-waste disposal company through "creative dreaming."
Forty years ago, who could have imagined putting a man on the moon? President John F. Kennedy, of course, gave America the vision in 1960, and set a goal of achieving it in 10 years.
Visualization allows you to see your ideal tomorrow. It gives you a real idea of what is possible, if only you want it badly enough.
Excellence in Action: Keep your sights focused on the future.