What I’m going to say next might simply shock you— there is no right or wrong way to visualize in order to see real habit change. You can’t do it “wrong” … which I find very freeing. With that said, I do have some suggestions for you. I’ll get into those suggestions in more depth, further on.

Basically, though, you’re going to be creating a picture or movie in your mind. You’re going to see yourself doing these things. Yes, it’s sort of like a purposeful daydream. You’ll choose specific times to visualize and you’ll do it in a specific way…your way.

I recommend you get yourself a quiet space and close your eyes and all of that. Yes, it sounds almost like a meditation, because it is. You just need to see it in your mind’s eye in a way that appears real to you. How you do that is up to you.

I suggest you “visualize” with all of your senses. This is mainly a visual exercise. However, your goal should be to make this experience as real as possible. You want to be able to smell, taste, touch, and hear when you visualize. You want to really immerse yourself in the vision. If you do that, it will be all the more real to you. If you do that, it will be so much easier for you to live it in real life.

Let’s say you want to make it a daily habit to write 3,000 words for your job or business, or maybe you want to start publishing as a side-business on Kindle. It would be a difficult thing to fit in, especially if you’re already really busy and haven’t made daily writing part of your schedule before or if you’ve tried to before and it just hasn’t worked out.

Every day, you would close your eyes and see yourself going through the motions of writing 3,000 words that day. You’d see yourself looking at your to-do list and goals, smiling happily as you sit down to your computer to get started working. You’d see yourself typing, feeling good and positive that you’re getting it done today.

That’s all visual. You’d add in the other senses as well. As you visualize, hear your fingers as they slide across the keys, confidently clacking as you get those words on the screen. Smell the smell of the coffee that sits on the desk in front of you.

See yourself reach a particularly great part in your writing. Then, reach down and grab your coffee to take a sip, tasting the fresh, aromatic beans as the warmth slides down your throat.

Feel the perk of energy it gives you as you easily and happily reach the end of your 3,000 words. Feel yourself stretch as you stand up, surprised as you look at the clock in your mind’s eye and find that you got it done so quickly and stress free that you have extra time left over.

That’s just one example. You’ve used your senses in this vision. Doesn’t it feel real? Substitute the habit or goal you’re trying to reach. What do you smell? What does it sound like? Get your emotions into it— how do you feel? Try to associate very positive emotions with the habits and actions you’re taking. See yourself easily achieving your goal. Literally go through all the motions, sped up, in your mind. This is your vision, so make it whatever you want it to be.

Let’s go through another example. Let’s say you’re trying to make it a habit to exercise for 30 minutes a day, because you have the goal of losing 5 pounds this month.

Close your eyes at the start of the day. See yourself happily getting your exercise gear on. Feel the way it slides on your body, enveloping you snuggly. Feel proud that you’re sticking with your commitment. See your water bottle sitting next to you.

Grab it and sip it and taste how the cool water feels as you stand up to prep for your workout. See yourself walk over to the TV to put your exercise DVD in. Smile as you see your favorite workout expert come on the screen— appreciate how motivating they are for you.

Watch yourself warm up. See yourself happily and excitedly following the workout. You’re sweating, keeping up, looking great, and feeling good.