Mental Picture
What is a “mental picture” according to Wattles?
Wallace Wattles emphasizes that the ability to create and maintain a clear and precise mental picture of what you want to achieve is an essential step on the path to wealth.
This is not a vague fantasy or a general wish – but a concrete and detailed vision, which you keep in your mind, day after day, and live it with emotion, faith and gratitude.
Key quote from the book:
“You must form a clear and definite mental picture of what you want; you cannot transmit an idea unless you have it yourself.”
(Chapter 4 – The First Principle in the Science of Getting Rich)
How to create a mental picture according to the book?
Step 1: Choose a clear goal
Wattles writes that you must decide exactly what you want – and not just “wealth”.
For example: not “I want money,” but “I live in a 2-story house with a garden, earn 50,000 NIS a month, and run a successful business.”
Step 2: Design the picture in detail
See the life you want:
Where you live
What your day looks like
Who is around you
How you are dressed
What you feel
“You must see it, feel it, and believe in it.”
Step 3: Hold the picture consistently
Wattles argues that you need to return to the mental picture every day – as many times as possible – and see it as if it were already real.
Gratitude while visualizing is critical:
“Live in the new house, wear the fine clothes, ride in the automobile, and picture yourself doing all these things. Live the reality mentally until it becomes real physically.”(Chapter 11 – Acting in the Certain Way)
Step 4: The belief that the image is already in the process of realization
The key is to act as if it is already happening — with peace of mind, joy and confidence. Not worrying about how it will happen — that is the role of the creative mind.
“You do not have to worry about how the money will come. You only need to hold the vision and act with faith.”
Summary of the principles of the mental image according to Wattles:
Principle Explanation
Clarity to know exactly what you want
Detail to visualize the goal on a sensory and emotional level
Repetition to repeat the visualization every day
Gratitude to act as if it is already yours, out of gratitude
Faith to believe that the mental image is already coming true
A short example of a mental image:
"I am sitting on my balcony at home with a view of the sea. I am drinking coffee quietly, after finishing my day's work in my digital business. I have free time for my family and my health. I feel free, abundant, calm and grateful."