Have you ever experienced a scent or sound triggering a happy memory from your past? It’s amazing how our sense of smell and hearing can transport us back to a joyful time. This phenomenon is also utilized in caring for Alzheimer’s patients, who often become agitated or distressed due to the confusion caused by their condition. By using familiar smells and sounds from their past, they can be brought to a state of calm by reconnecting with those memories.

Reflect and Visualize

During goal-setting sessions with my clients, I emphasize the importance of visualization. One of the techniques I use is asking them to recall a moment in their lives where they experienced pure joy and happiness, whether it was yesterday or in the distant past. By reliving this moment and fully experiencing the sensations of joy, they can set clear and meaningful goals for themselves in any aspect of their lives.

Although this visualization technique may seem new to some, it is widely used by professionals such as athletes and speakers. By repeatedly visualizing a performance in their mind, athletes and drivers can improve their skills and performance on the field or track. Similarly, speakers often practice and visualize their presentations beforehand. Dancers also use visualization techniques to relive past performances and improve their technique. While they may not physically execute the full moves, they can still recreate the experience in their minds.

Utilize Your Childhood Memories

We can utilize the power of sensory experiences to identify important components of our goals. One way to do this is by reliving moments that evoke positive emotions. For example, when you encounter a particular smell that brings you joy, take a moment to question it and relive the experience.

Recently, I was hit with the overwhelming scent of chlorine. The smell instantly transported me back to a happy moment in my childhood. As an only child living on a farm, my grandparents’ pool was a special place for me. The pool, handbuilt in the ’40s, was a popular destination for people and children alike. I remember the feeling of connection and engagement I experienced when adults would supervise me in the pool.

Swimming with my friends was another source of joy. We would create elaborate stories, pretending to be mermaids or Olympic athletes. We played games like Marco Polo and sang songs until we were exhausted and starving. The warmth of the sun on my skin and the scent of chlorine evaporating from my body are still vivid memories.

Reliving this sensory experience reminded me of the values I hold dear – connection, joy, and playfulness. It helped me identify what I seek out and strive for in life. Just like professional athletes and speakers who practice visualization techniques to prepare for real-life events, we too can use sensory experiences to identify meaningful goals.

Connecting Memories to Your Core Values

P.S. If you’re interested to explore your SUPERPOWERS, take the quiz below!