Best Possible Self: Visualization Exercise

Imagine yourself in a future where everything has gone right. You’ve accomplished your goals, and as a result, you’ve become your best possible self. What would your life look like? How would you spend your time? Who would be by your side?

The best possible self exercise is a research-supported intervention for improving mood and increasing optimism, along with several other positive outcomes.

In the Best Possible Self worksheet, your clients will be prompted to imagine and write about their best possible selves in three areas. Throughout the next week, these responses will be used to guide daily visualization practice.

Although visualization will usually be done at home, we suggest completing the first round in session, immediately after the writing portion of the exercise. This will help teach and reinforce the technique. Then, help your client schedule time to practice visualization at home.

See our Positive Psychology Techniques Guide for more information about similar interventions.