Bill Gates, Jack Canfield, Robert Allen - what do they have in common? You've probably guessed it - they're all rich and successful. So, what's the secret to their success? My guess is they all "see" themselves as successful. How do you see yourself?

The quote above, by Dr. Denis Waitley, describes the process to materialize success. It's short and to the point - but for most of us, it's not easy. In fact, there are many who would adamantly declare that visualization is a waste of time.

In the best seller "The Secret", Dr. Waitley describes the visualization process used in the Apollo program. He used this process, called Visual Motor Rehearsal, in Olympic training. Here's a quick overview of Visual Motor Rehearsal.

Using this program, Olympic athletes ran their event 'but only in their mind. They visualized how they looked and felt when they were actually participating in their event. The athletes were then hooked up to a sophisticated biofeedback machine, and its results told the real story about the value of visualization. The same muscles fired in the same sequence as when they were actually running on the track! This proved that the mind can't tell the difference between whether you're really doing something or whether it's just a practice. Dr. Waitley says, "If you've been there in the mind you'll go there in the body.

When I sit down to create an article, first it's in my mind - then I record it on paper. When we build a new home in our construction business, first it's in the mind of my husband, the designer, and then our crew builds it in the physical. These ideas come from an unseen source, one we all can access, if we're open and receptive to the power of inspiration and visualization. Everything you do starts in your mind - including your business. So, it's critically important that you see it as a smooth running, profitable business.

Here are 3 tips to help with your own visualization process.

1. Since it all starts in your mind, it makes sense to take time to do the mental work first. I find it easiest early in the morning before I start my daily routine. You may also try visualizing what you want your business to look like at night just before going to sleep. This will give your mind time to work on it while you sleep.

2. Don't overwork yourself. When you get so wrapped up in "getting the job done" it's easy to let all the good intentions of visualization go out the window. When this happens to me, I find my creativity suffers. It's difficult to think creatively, when I'm on overwhelm dealing with the tasks at hand. Give yourself a break - go outside and enjoy nature. A pause and refresh break can do wonders to jog your memory about why you wanted your own business in the first place.

3. Consistency is the key. When you spend time every day seeing your business the way you want it to be, something magic happens. Just like William H. Murray says in this famous quote:

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would come his way."

In other words, the Universe moves to help those who know what they want, and are willing to be bold and take action to get it!

If you feel like you don't have time for this visualization stuff, I'll leave you with this quote from C.J. Hayden's book "Get Clients Now!"™

"You are the biggest asset your business has. Taking care of yourself is taking care of business."