"Results not typical" . . . or The Power of Visualization

So, it's the beginning of a New Year, and around this time of year we're inundated with ads for exercise equipment and weightloss products, all of which include "before and after" pictures, like this:

But if you notice, every single "after" picture is accompanied by the disclaimer "results not typical".

Think about that. These advertisers are telling us:

1) We can't show you the "typical" results of this product, because if you saw the typical results that you could expect, you'd never buy it; and

2) Take a look at this "after" picture, but remember that there's barely any chance of you actually looking like this after using our product.

This is not just an advertiser trying to attach some mythic "lifestyle" to their product hoping you'll buy the product to get the lifestyle. These advertisers are admitting to us that their products don't work!!!

And yet millions of dollars are spent every year on this stuff.

Why?

Because visual images are so powerful, they can actually overwhelm and defeat rationality and logic. Seeing a visual image of what we've been conditioned by the media to believe is an ideal desireable physique is powerful enough to overcome the rationale, logical admission (made by the advertisers themselves!) that the product in question most likely won't give us that physique.

Recognizing this is the first step to defeating the urge to pick up the phone and dial the toll-free number to charge just three easy payments and if we call now they'll knock one payment off and include the bonus package for just a little more and operators are standing by . . . .

And that alone is a pretty good resolution to make on its own.

But recognizing the power of visual imagery can also fuel all sorts of affirmative resolutions to help us get off our asses and make all sorts of progress this year on things that have been hung up.

Alot of the things that aren't getting done (whether it's getting something we want, getting rid of something we don't want, or just getting peace about what we've got) aren't getting done because we're allowing ourselves to be ruled by the "logical", "results not typical" part of our brains that constantly convince us that we'll never achieve what we want so why bother trying.

Well, how about this year using the power of imagery to our advantage, in essence selling ourselves on the outcomes we want. Focus on that visual image, and we may just be motivated to take some actions to get things done, and in the process shut up that negative "rationale" part of our brains.

Hell, lots of advertisers are spending tons of money on this premise to separate us from our money. Why not try this on ourselves for free to connect us with our dreams.

Happy New Year, bitches!