Imagine Your Way to Success

Ever seem like what's in front of you is more or less hopeless? That's happened to me. I showed up recently at the Minnesota State Fair to give a brief but important (to me) presentation as part of Minnesota's sesquicentennial (150 years) celebration. In a big chautauqua tent, I was scheduled to give a short, audience-engaging presentation on body wisdom twice between panel presentations by high-powered speakers.

Well, I showed up, the panelists showed up, and the public television crews showed up (to film for later airing), but the audience didn't! Only about 15 people were scattered among the 300 or so chairs in the big tent. I wondered how in the world I would be able to rouse this small crowd to do the lively movement and body awareness activities I had planned. Not only was the crowd miniscule in number, but the loud fans in the tent nearly drowned up what the speakers were saying. Would they even stay? And would they hear me at all?

Seemed like a doomed-to-failure exercise.

Fortunately, the person in charge, who knows and appreciates my work, gave to me this inspiring guidance: "Just pretend you're speaking to a crowd of 10,000." The magic words were "just pretend." As long as I could play and have fun with this, I realized I could manage quite nicely. I especially loved the idea of picturing 10,000 people moving along with me as I guided them in my imagination movement exercise designed to awaken their belief in the impossible. I was getting a chance to practice what I preach!

I also decided that I'd have to imagine myself "loud" if I were going to be heard. And let me tell you I am not known for being loud.

When it was my turn to present, I bounded onto the stage, belted out a greeting and an invitation to the audience to join me in my planned movement activities. Everyone (all 15) stood up and eagerly participated. They seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. I was having fun too, being louder and more animated than usual. By having to be loud, I actually brought more energy into my presentation. After my presentation, I left knowing I had given my best and I'd had a good time doing it. I also realized that my "just pretend" presentation may actually be seen by many thousands in the viewing audience when the show is broadcast. Not a "failure" after all.

Are you facing what seems like certain failure? Stop seeing failure, and pretend you actually have what you want. Then give it your best and have a good time doing it.

Visit me for more guidance on inspired living at www.patsamples.com