Did you know that our brains can’t tell the difference between real and false memories?
False memories might seem like accurate representations of past events, but they are not
based on real-life experiences. Just think of a time when you thought you had locked the door
and then realized you hadn’t when you returned home. On the other hand, imaginary memories
aren’t exactly false memories. Yet they are closely related.
Keep reading to discover how imaginary memories can help you achieve your goals.
What Are Imaginary Memories?
You could think of an imaginary memory as a mental picture. When it comes to achieving your
goal, an imaginary memory would be a scene of your success. For instance, you may want to
get a promotion at work. Close your eyes. Imagine a manager’s office. What sort of desk does it have? Is there a clock ticking on the wall? Does the office have transparent doors? Imagine
yourself at the desk. What are you wearing? Is it a checkered shirt and beige trousers?
Congratulations! You have created an imaginary memory of a desired outcome. Now, let’s dive
deeper into the neuroscience and psychology that back up the claim that imaginary memories
can, in fact, help us achieve our goals.
How Can Imaginary Memories Help Us Achieve Our Goals?
Did you know that people who imagine their goals vividly are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to
accomplish their goals than those who don’t?
To understand why this happens, we should familiarize ourselves with the concept of encoding.
Encoding describes a biological process that occurs when our brain analyzes our perceptions
and decides whether to store them in long-term memory or forget them. When you write
something down, you increase the chances of remembering it.
When we create an imaginary memory of our future success, we start working harder toward
achieving it. With our busy schedules and social media, it is easy to get distracted. An imaginary
memory sitting firmly at the back of our minds constantly reminds us that we need to do this or
that in order to achieve our goal. This facilitates making the right decisions on what to do at
every single moment.
Are you in doubt about whether you should binge-watch another series or set aside some time
after dinner to pursue a course to upgrade your qualifications? When we feel tired, our willpower
is usually weaker, so the odds fall in favor of the less productive activity. Yet, with an imaginary
memory shining ahead akin to the North Star, steering off course is more challenging.
With the proper technique of integrating imaginary memories into our daily lives, we might soon
discover a subconscious voice activating and nagging us about the discrepancy between the
imaginary memory that seems so natural to us and our current reality. With time, we will start
making better choices that increase our chances of succeeding.
If you take small steps daily toward your goal, you can achieve anything. An imaginary memory
can become your compass, ensuring that you always move forward. I am James Gray
Robinson and I offer a transformational program called “The Shift” to individuals, groups, and
businesses who want to take control of their lives and forge their path to success. Contact me
today to get started!
