A client of mine was being harassed on a daily basis about an issue related to a personal relationship. He was being harassed not by anyone in particular, but by a voice inside his head and the nagging/sick feeling that often accompanied it. The relationship issue weighed heavily on his mind and although he tried he could not find any relief nor see any reasonable solution to his problem.
After going through the following exercise called “The Perfect Day Technique”, he captured a glimpse of a small light at the end of the tunnel and was able to take action after months of stagnation.
If you are struggling with a voice or nagging issue, you may want to try this exercise. The best time to try this is either before you go to sleep at night or just before getting out of bed in the morning. You may want to tape record yourself or have a trusted friend or coach guide you through this process.
1) Find a quiet area where you know you can't be disturbed for 15-20 minutes.
2) Take a few deep breaths in and slowly release each one. Starting at the top of your
head, relax each muscle in your body. You should be in a very relaxed state.
3) Start the tape (or have someone guide you). Imagine you have just woken up from a very
restorative sleep. During that sleep something magical has happened. Whatever problem
you are faced with has been completely solved overnight. You don't know how it happened,
but it did. You awake with a feeling that everything has been solved without a doubt.
* What do you see, hear, feel around you?
* What are you thinking?
* As you go through your day, where do you go?
* What do you do?
* Who is there?
* What are they doing/saying?
* What are you doing/saying?
* What else do you notice?
* What are you feeling? (specifically name the feelings in your mind).
4) When you believe you have been detailed enough in your description, slowly take a deep
breath in and release. Slowly open your eyes. As soon as you can, write down or talk
about what you experienced. Be as specific as possible.
(This exercise is property of the Institute of Professional Empowerment Coaching, 2001).