Thinking in pictures

I’m going to talk about thinking in pictures.

Is this something you already do?

If so, to what extent?

And what do I actually mean by it..??

I’ll cover tell the story of how I got onto this concept, what I mean by it using real life scenarios and what it could mean for you!

I first started thinking about ‘thinking in pictures’ when I began learning and practising ancient memory techniques.

One of the key aspects of memory techniques and their proven effectiveness, is the use of pictures. More specifically, creating and visualising pictures in your mind.

More recently, while reading a biography on Albert Einstein, I discovered ‘thinking in pictures’ was even more significant than I first thought.

I was almost jumping out of my skin when I read the following excerpt from ‘Einstein His Life and Universe’ by Walter Isaacson.

‘Einstein was known to have thought in pictures and went to a school where it was encouraged. ‘he generally preferred to think in pictures, most notably in famous thought experiments, such as imagining watching lightening strikes from a moving train or experiencing gravity while inside a falling elevator. “I very rarely think in words at all,” he later told a psychlogist. “A thought comes, and I may try to express it in words afterwards.”’

Secondly, in regards to the school mentioned:

‘It was the perfect school for Einstein. The teaching was based on the philosophy of a Swiss educational reformer of the early nineteenth century, Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, who believed in encouraging students to visualise images.’

Reading this in relation to someone who is essentially the ultimate poster boy for ‘genius’ certainly concreted my feelings that I was on the right track.

To expand on the reference to Einstein’s use of thinking in pictures (for his thought experiments), here’s what it means to me.

I’ll use some real life scenarios, questions, benefits and examples.

1. Thinking in pictures for conversation

How often do we just vaguely listen to someone speaking to us?

Or switch off altogether as we get caught up in our own thoughts?

Instead of this, we can be more present, engaged and have a better memory for conversations by thinking in pictures.

For example, if someone is telling you a story:

- Really visualise the scene and story in your mind.

- Imagine it like you were there yourself.

- The more crisp and clear the better!

Alternatively, if you’re the one telling the story:

- Picture the image you’re creating for the person or people listening to you as you speak.

2. Thinking in pictures for reading

How often when reading do we get caught up in the detail of the words themselves?

Perhaps worrying about those words we don’t know or understand?

Or focusing so much on trying to focus or read as quickly as possible?

This can be understandably overwhelming and likely to take away from the enjoyment of the reading experience!

Instead of this, we can have more enjoyment and have a better memory for what we read by thinking in pictures.

- Take a moment to create some distance between you and what’s on the page.

- Look up and around you, off into the distance, Breathe.

- Have this wider perspective as you read and enjoy it as an experience where you can absorb the general picture described.

- Imagine it as a film playing out in your mind.

3. Thinking in pictures for watching tv or film

How often do we watch the images on screen but not really ‘see’ them?

It makes it understandable if we don’t recall detail of what we’ve watched.

Instead of this, we can be more engaged and have a better memory for what we’ve watched by thinking in pictures. Allowing our brain to more actively process what we’re watching.

- Visualise the scene or story as if you’re in it (what is around you, who are you interacting with etc.!)

4. Thinking in pictures for problem solving

How often do we get stuck in the depth of a problem it’s hard to see a way out?

Instead of this, be quicker with problem solving and do it with ease and effectiveness by thinking in pictures.

For example, a conflict with someone:

- Picture the options you could take one by one, imagine each scenario playing out in your mind

5. Thinking in pictures for movement/practical tasks

How often do we get too in our head when participating in anything movement related or when carrying our practical tasks that we make it harder for ourselves?

Instead of this, learn and do these things with ease and have a better memory for them by thinking in pictures.

For example, sport or dancing, cooking or painting:

- Visualise yourself following the steps of the movement or task before actually doing it

6. Thinking in pictures for numbers/maths

How often (in particular for us more visual/creative types) do we get stuck by the contextless form of numbers?

Instead of this, be more effective dealing with numbers or maths problems and have a better memory for them by thinking in pictures.

- Create a story in your mind to represent the numbers or problem

- Again, the clearer the image, the more effective.

7. Thinking in pictures for songs

How often do we hear a song but not really ‘listen’?

Instead of this, be more engaged and have a better memory for songs but thinking in pictures.

- Visualise what the music video would look like to you. It may simply convey a mood or it may have specifics like band members and instruments.

Ok there you have 7 everyday applications for thinking in pictures!

To wrap up, here are my regular key reminders!

- Remind yourself you can do it

- It’s ok to take your time

- Breathe and relax

- Keep practising

- Little regular steps create big change over time

- Celebrate your wins big and small

Now if you already think in pictures, this is your opportunity to really level up!

If not, then an even bigger world of opportunity awaits!

Have fun out there.

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