Start with Step One: State Your Future Goals

The Power of Visualization and Manifestation

When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it — Paul Cuelho

Wise words! But the quote sounds so much more profound when said in Hindi/Urdu by Shah Rukh Khan in one of his movies. No joke!

As I start to think more about my future and what I’d like to do, one of my considerations is where I would like to live. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in a coastal city with easy access to a beach or because of all the sailing I did as a kid, I think it’s a bit of both. I see myself living by the ocean, or at least by a waterbody. I will make do with a river or a lake too!

I can’t see the future, but I know I can at least put it out to the universe and work on intermediate goals that will make it more probable that I end up where I want to be.

I have learned and experienced the power of visualization as a tennis player. In this technique, the athlete is trained to use visual imagery to mentally go through the motions of all the behaviors and patterns that they need to feel the success. It is like creating a mental picture in your mind of the outcome that you want to achieve.

Manifestation is another technique used to make tangible changes to life through belief and positive thinking. One of the first steps in manifestation is being very clear about the goals and what exactly we want to achieve. This article is my attempt at articulating what I want for my future.

Living on a Beach

I dream of living on a beach, with clear views of the sun rising as I step out into my tiny deck. I sit with my hot cup of tea as I hear the waves, smell the freshness in the air, and read the news.

My mornings start with a run along the beach or a walk with my dog, keeping internal notes of mile markers as I get the lay of the land. I make friends along the beach that stretches for endless miles along the coast.

I have a host of dishes I cook with the local produce, including from my little kitchen garden. My weekends and holidays are busy when I entertain. Lots of chatter, laughter, and bonding with people who mean the most to me. I even have a small boat that I can take into the open waters for the day.

I dream of being intricately immersed in the local community and giving back in whatever way I can. I dream of living a sustainable life in which I am grateful for all that I have each day. I dream until the day it all becomes a reality — my reality.

Notes to Self

1. Be patient. This is a 10-year plan to realize. It will not happen overnight. Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Continue to visualize and manifest.

2. Be realistic. Be careful what you wish for. You asked for a beach. Be open to any beach in any part of the world. Literally!

3. Be prepared. I know you grew up with some of them, but if this is a tropical place then you will have to welcome some of your long-lost reptilian friends. You can do it!

4. Be kind to yourself. This journey is bound to have many twists and turns, and maybe even an anti-climax. Enjoy the process and everything that comes along the way.

Key Message: Start with gaining clarity and stating your future goals. Write them down. Then focus on spending time thinking, feeling, and realizing steps leading to your goals. Believe in yourself!