Visioning – A Picture of the Future

In 2009, I woke up in the intensive care unit from routine, minimally invasive spinal laminectomy surgery to excruciating pain and paralysis. Several months later, after two additional spinal surgeries, thirty days in intensive care, and months of rehab and physical therapy, I learned to walk with the assistance of a walker. 

I arrived at my end-of-treatment appointment feeling proud of my accomplishment, but my neurosurgeon painted a miserable picture of my future. I was told I should expect additional surgeries in about a year. I should anticipate a life with chronic pain, medication, depression, disability, and, eventually, a wheelchair.

Refusing to accept his prognosis, I added a “Perfect Day” vision exercise to my morning routine. Every morning when I first woke up, I visualized my perfect day. I envisioned a detailed picture of my day, including the seven areas of my life (personal/social, work, family, spiritual, financial, intellect, and health/fitness). I included all five of my senses and imagined unlimited financial and technological resources in my picture.

I imagined what the flowers on my kitchen table smelled like while I stood watching my future husband make a healthy breakfast of yogurt and fresh fruit. I felt the warmth of the sun on my face as I cycled down a winding country road each morning. I experienced the joy of walking into a meeting in a simple but elegant dress to speak with a team of professional women of color. And finally, I enjoyed the feel of crisp cotton sheets as I settled into bed after an active and busy day.

In addition to my visioning exercise, I combined Western and Eastern medicine, utilizing acupuncture, herbal therapy, diet, meditation, physical exercise, and massage. 

Fast forward to today. I never returned to my neurosurgeon, and I now live an active, almost pain-free life surrounded by family and friends. When I’m not traveling, coaching, or training, I bike, practice yoga, hike, golf, and kayak.

After a compelling value proposition, visioning is one of the most essential tools in a salesperson’s toolbox. A vision is a picture in your imagination that moves you. Executives and leaders have a vision. As a professional salesperson, your job is to help your clients paint a persuasive, passionate, and clear vision that motivates their audience to action. The good news is that this skill can be learned. And, like any skill, it can be developed over time with practice.

Today With kindness, self-love, and compassion, begin adding a “Perfect Day” exercise to your morning. Imagine your ideal day each morning before you get out of bed. Think big, really BIG. And, most important, when painting your picture, remember how amazing you truly are.

Here’s to selling Mastery. 

-Cherilynn

Head of Education and Growth, Sistas In Sales

Executive Coach/Managing Partner, CGI

Cherilynn Castleman, Executive Coach/Sales Trainer, has been a sales executive for 20+ years. With a natural talent for teaching and a drive to sell, Cherilynn uses her skills to coach and train other executives and sales professionals.

You are the designer of your destiny; you are the author of your story. — Lisa Nichols 

Lisa is an international motivational speaker, best-selling author, founder and CEO of Motivating The Masses, award winner and a philanthropist.