How to Use Visualization to Make a Career Decision

How to Use Visualization to Make a Career DecisionHow to Use Visualization to Make a Career DecisionHave you ever been stuck in your career, facing a choice between two or more paths, and not knowing which way to go? Visualization may be the key to making a better career decision.Visualization is essentially the act of imagining different scenarios and it can help professionals in so many ways. People considering a career change or who are no longer happy in their current role can use visualization to learn more about what type of job theyd like to do instead, or what changes they could make to their work situation to find happiness again.Essentially, visualizing is a way of both testing out ideas and preparing to enact them in real life.If youre considering a few different paths or options, visualization can help you really feel what it would be like to choose any of them so that you can make a better final decision.And, visualization can help you build confidence and reduce stress before things like job interviews or major presentations.General Tips for How to Use Visualization to Make a Career DecisionFirst, youll need a quiet place where you can sit with your thoughts uninterrupted.Close your eyes or choose a neutral view to focus on, take a deep breath, and abflug visualizing the different scenarios youre trying to decide between.During any visualization, youll want to pay attention not only to the images that pop into your mind, but also how they make you feel.People often talk about experiencing some sort of gut reaction, literally. When you visualize something that isnt appealing, you might feel a clenching in your gut. Or a tightening in your chest. You may find your brow furrowing.Conversely, when you visualize something you like or enjoy, you may feel a tingle of excitement, a rush of energy, or a warmth in your face or body.Visualizations arent always easy to do by yourself. If youd like someone to walk you through a visualization, consider asking a friend or friendly coworker- maybe you can help each otherAnd members can do visualizations with our great career coaches.Example 1 Visualizing Your Dream Work SituationThis is a different take on the dream job visualization, where people are told to visualize themselves doing their dream jobs.As an alternative, I recommend doing the dream work situation visualization, where you visualize yourself working exactly how you want to work.To start, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and then begin to answer questions likeWhat time of day do I have the most energy and drive?What time of day would I ideally start and end work if I could choose?Where would I spend my days? (In an office, at a coworking space, working from home, working from a far-flung travel destination, etc.)How much or how little interaction would I have with people if I could choose?Would I be working for someone else, managing a team of people, or working for myself?The Result This sort of visualization helps peopl e clarify exactly how they want to work, which can ultimately help us take more control over our workdays by figuring out how to implement our favorite work options- flexible scheduling, remote work, freelance gigs, part-time jobs, etc.Example 2 Visualizing Yourself in a Remote JobSomeone considering working remotely instead of in an office could actually take some time to visualize themselves doing just that.Heres how to go through this visualization. In your mind, visualize sitting in your home office. What would it look like? How would it feel to be alone all day? What sorts of distractions might you face? What equipment do you need to get your job done?The Result This visualization can prepare us to face the benefits and challenges of working from home so that when we actually do it, were ready to hit the ground running and be productive.Making a Career DecisionAfter VisualizationRemember, to get the best answers to your career conundrums through visualization, ask yourself how each thing you visualized felt.Did you feel positive, negative, or neutral? Did you find yourself wanting to continue visualizing one choice over another? Do you feel your body tensing up or relaxing?The way you reacted to your visualizations will point you in the right career direction.Start Your Job Search