I remember reading some research about a study in the UK. They asked school kids to spell out their goals for the future. Some kids wrote them down and others did not. Years later they went back to see who had achieved their goals. They found the kids who wrote them down had a achieved more of their goals than those who did not. I wish I could find this study but I have never been able to track it down again.
Anyway, I find writing my goals down does help me to achieve them. I think because I am reminded of them when I look at the list. I don’t think it is about positive thinking as much as the list is there and is a reminder of things/tasks I have set myself to complete. Or it could be that I also have to send details of my goals to my bosses and they can see whether I achieved them too! Not having to explain why I didn’t achieve anything on my list might be the motivation….
As to visualising, perhaps do some research about weight loss? Visualising yourself thin is often suggested as a method to help people reach their weight loss goals. Not sure if it is ever successful. I can see myself thin in my head until the cows come home but I am not noticing my arse shrinking :D