Mental imagery

Mental imagery is using our “mind’s eye” to picture situations without actually being there. When you think about the behavioral steps or procedures needed to complete a task, you’re using mental images to rehearse the job. The more vividly individuals can imagine themselves performing desired behaviors, the greater the beneficial impact of this technique on actual performance.

For safety self-management you can use imagery to:

* clarify your safety goals
* enhance your motivation to choose the safest behavior
* build your self-efficacy, personal control or optimism
* rehearse safe acts and actively caring behaviors
* reward yourself for success at self-management

Your imagery can activate a chain of safe operating procedures, as well as motivate action. The image can also suggest the safe behavior needed to avoid injury.