Overcome age issue by visualizing career goals

Visualizing is not a new concept, and athletes utilize it to improve their performance as well as others in wanting to reach their goals. In the career field, visualization can be useful to seniors who are ready to move into a new phase of their career life.

As the year ends and a new one begins, give visualization a try before you start a new career endeavor. Even though visualizing a career path can seem esoteric rather than a straightforward approach in finding your next steps, it’s a technique that can really change the outcome of your results.

Truthfully, you could be actively using visualization right now without identifying it as such. If you are like most seniors who are concerned about their next career steps, you are already implementing visualization in the form of worry.

Every time you picture your life without a job, worrying about who will hire you or if there is a place for your experience, you are visualizing your future negatively. Negative visualizations are just as powerful as positive ones, and the more you focus on “negative what-ifs” you are rewiring your brain to attract what you fear.

Often the most difficult parts of a career transition are the thoughts you project, as anyone can learn job-search techniques, but the hidden self-talk and images that take place in your head determine the outcome of where you land. The age issue is naturally a factor that most seniors talk about, but if you see age as a barrier, it will influence the way you picture your life and soon you’ll visualize a wall of doubt that’s impenetrable. While age discrimination occurs during a job search, your attitude toward it determines your next steps.

Here are some of the benefits you’ll get from visualizing your next career steps:

Helps you improve your interview skills by mentally rehearsing the setting. When you focus on seeing yourself, answer questions in a positive way with confidence; it will help you overcome some of the interview jitters.

Will increase your motivation. When you visualize yourself achieving your goals, it could be starting a new business or going to work for a new employer, the image gives you a reminder that your interests are important.

Visualizing will help you see positive results. Imagine working in a setting where you want to be, living the life you want and achieving your dreams.

The good news is that you can use visualization anywhere. All it takes is about 10 minutes of effort twice a day to support your imaginary in reaching your goals. Keep it going, as you are rewiring your brain for results. It’s important to understand your subconscious mind doesn’t really understand the difference between what you see and what you visualize. Be mindful if negative thoughts try to creep in. Let them go and focus on your goal.

A quick rundown on how to use visualization in reaching your career goals: Choose a quiet place, turn off the phone where there are no interruptions and close your eyes. Picture in your mind the goal you want to achieve. Take a few deep breaths to get in a relaxed state. Start visualizing your goal with details including emotions, such as how you feel when seeing yourself achieve your goal. Be persistent in using visualization and make it a part of your daily routine. Keep it going until you succeed. You’ll be surprised at what happens.