Visualizing Your Future Self: Transformative Drawing Techniques
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Chapter 1: The Power of Visualization
In less than a month, my friend will reach a significant birthday milestone. Having left her full-time engineering job three months prior, she has dedicated this time to reflecting on the new chapter she wishes to embark upon. This introspection led her to revisit a drawing exercise from a few years back that sparked her journey toward significant changes.
As she approached her mid-forties, she sensed that something was amiss. Sleepless nights plagued her, often waking at 3 a.m. filled with anxiety. She experienced increased stress, irritability, and a decline in both her health and motivation. A TED Talk she had previously watched on "drawing your future" came to mind. Initially skeptical, she decided to give it a shot one evening.
Here, she created a simple stick figure of her envisioned future self in a meditative pose, surrounded by sketches of her aspirations.
Section 1.1: Imagining a Better Future
In her mind's eye, she visualized herself nine years older, with salt-and-pepper hair, no longer fixated on trying to look youthful. Her ideal self was a vegetarian, possibly vegan, practicing yoga and meditation daily, perhaps even teaching yoga. She pictured herself drinking little to no alcohol, running her own business, and achieving financial stability. Above all, she envisioned a sense of inner peace with herself and her role in the world.
Section 1.2: Taking Action
That stick figure represented a stark contrast to the person she was at that moment. She was still dyeing her hair, consuming meat, practicing yoga infrequently, and drinking more than she believed was healthy. Stuck in a dead-end job, she felt unfulfilled. However, what amazed her was that just weeks after completing the drawing, she began to enact changes. She eliminated meat from her diet, followed by dairy and eggs. Six months later, she stopped dyeing her hair altogether. She committed to daily yoga, reduced her alcohol consumption, and ultimately left her unfulfilling job.
Chapter 2: The Journey Towards Change
The first video, "SPOTLIGHT: Draw What You Want To Be When You Grow Up," explores how drawing can help you visualize your future aspirations.
Though she hasn't yet achieved everything her stick figure represented, this future vision has empowered her to build confidence and establish realistic goals. While her savings are growing, she is not yet financially independent. She continues to work on starting her own business and practices meditation regularly. Having a clear vision of the future has enabled her to focus on what truly matters and take actionable steps toward her goals.
The second video, "I'll Teach You to Draw! How to Draw #1: The Essential First Steps Most Beginners Miss," provides essential tips for those looking to begin their drawing journey.
Her path has not been without challenges, requiring extensive reading, learning, and self-reflection. Nevertheless, that simple stick figure has emerged as a powerful motivator, guiding her toward a clearer life direction. Drawing her future has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles, and if you find yourself feeling stuck, she encourages you to try it as well. Honestly visualize your current state, then illustrate your desired future with vibrancy and enthusiasm. This process may very well surprise you with the clarity it can provide.