The Takeoff
Nikola Tesla, one of the most innovative scientists of the 19th and 20th centuries, is known for his groundbreaking contributions to electricity and electromechanical engineering. However, Tesla also had unique visualization methods that he used to conceptualize and ultimately bring his inventions to fruition.
The renowned inventor claimed he was able to visualize his ideas with astonishing detail and realism before giving them form. In his own words, “I built each of my inventions in my brain.” This mental method of trial and error allowed him to conduct experiments entirely in his mind before starting the physical construction.
My brain is only a receiver, in the Universe there is a core from which we obtain knowledge, strength and inspiration. I have not penetrated into the secrets of this core, but I know that it exists.
Nikola Tesla
Deep Navigation
How does Tesla’s visualization method work?
Tesla’s visualization went beyond mere mental imagery. It incorporated all the senses, allowing him to ‘experience’ his ideas in a very vivid way. He even stated that he sometimes struggled to distinguish these visualizations from physical reality.
The process was systematic and detailed. Tesla described the process in three steps:
- Conceiving the idea: Tesla conceived the idea in his mind with total clarity, imagining it from all possible angles and perspectives.
- Visualizing the invention: Next, he proceeded to mentally shape his idea, imagining the device in operation and studying its behavior under different circumstances.
- Review and adjustment: Finally, Tesla observed and ‘experimented’ with his mental invention over a period of time. He made changes and adjustments based on these mental ‘experiments’ before beginning to construct the invention in the physical world.
How can you apply Tesla’s method to manifest your goals?
Tesla’s visualization technique can be very useful when setting and reaching goals. Although not all of us have Tesla’s visual mind, we can learn from his method and apply it to our own lives. Here are some steps to do so:
Visualize your goal: Imagine your goal in great detail, the final outcome you wish to achieve. Make it as realistic as possible, incorporating all your senses into the visualization.
Visualize the process: Imagine the steps you need to take to reach your goal. Visualize each one in detail, imagining how you will feel as you complete each step.
Track and adjust: Keep track of your progress and make adjustments to your visualization as you go along. Ensure that your visualization stays aligned with reality.
Application Trail
Let’s use Nikola Tesla’s Visualization Method to materialize a concrete goal. Suppose your goal is to write and publish a book. Here is how you could apply Tesla’s method:
- Conceive the Idea: Picture the finished book in your mind. What would the cover look like? How would it feel to the touch? What type of paper would you use for the pages? How would it smell? Now imagine that you open the book and start reading. What is your writing style like? What is the tone and rhythm of the words? How do they sound in your head when you read them?
- Visualize the invention: Think about how your book would work. How would the plot flow? How would the characters develop? How would the conflicts or problems raised in the story be resolved? At this point, you may also want to consider the more technical aspects of the writing process. For example, what software would you use to write your manuscript? How would you organize your notes and outlines?
- Revision and adjustment: Now that you have a clear idea of how your book will look and work, start experimenting with it in your mind. Perhaps you decide to change the tone of the narrative, introduce new characters, or adjust the plot. Like Tesla, you can do these experiments mentally before implementing them in your physical manuscript.
Applying Tesla’s method to writing a book may help you have a clear vision of your goal and chart an effective path to reach it. However, remember that visualization is only part of the process. To write and publish a book, you’ll also need to devote time and effort to the actual writing, revising, editing, and more.
The Nikola Tesla Visualization Method can be applied to a wide range of fields. Here are some examples:
- Business and entrepreneurship: to visualize a new product, service, or company launch.
- Education and learning: To design a curriculum or learning strategy.
- Art and design: To visualize a work of art, a piece of graphic design, or the decoration of a space.
- Software development: To envision how a new application or program will work.
- Sports and fitness: To visualize an exercise routine or a strategy for a game or competition.
- Personal development: To visualize personal goals, such as learning a new skill, adopting a healthy habit, or improving a relationship.
Destination Harbor
Nikola Tesla’s visualization method can be a powerful tool for manifesting your goals. Like any skill, it requires practice to master, but over time you can learn to use your imagination effectively to plot and achieve your goals
Knowledge Map
Books:
- Cheney, M. (1981). Tesla: Man Out of Time. Simon and Schuster.
- Seifer, M. J. (1998). Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla. Citadel Press.
- Valone, T. (2002). Harnessing the Wheelwork of Nature: Tesla’s Science of Energy. Adventures Unlimited Press.
Articles:
- Alekseev, I. S. (1987). Dreams and reality: Nikolai Tesla. Soviet Life, (217), 27-29.
- Goodrich, E. P. (2016). Recursive creativity: Tesla’s visualization and invention. MultiMedia IEEE, 23(2), 6-13.
- Tesla, N. (1919). My Inventions V – The Magnifying Transmitter. Electrical Experimenter, 27(6), 8-11.
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