3 Reasons Why Visualization is a Strategy for Success

Most entrepreneurs that I meet have heard of visualization, and some write it off as a waste of time, “manifesting” with an eyeroll, or something “woo-woo.” If this is you, I get it. I’ve been skeptical before, so I hear you.

There’s really compelling scientific evidence that visualization is an important strategy for success in business (and life).

Studies show: your brain doesn’t know the difference between imagined and real.

In 2007, Harvard researchers tested if they could demonstrate the brain’s amazing ability to rewire — specifically using mental practice. Would it be beneficial like physical practice? Turns out, the motor cortex that controls movement stretched its space in the brain with both actual, physical piano playing and with imagination only, with no finger movement.

Both groups — those who played and those who imagined — had brains that rewired in almost the exact same way!

This is also what happens when you visualize your business goals as accomplished. It’s a rehearsal. It’s NOT pretending!

How Visualization Creates a ‘Memory Before the Moment’.

First, what is a memory? Simply put, a memory is a pathway or a network of neurons in the brain that forms through repetitive activation. When you burned yourself on a hot stove that first time, neurons were activated, creating pathways between them. Every time you touched the burn while it healed, you ‘remembered’ touching the stove and burning yourself, which activated the same neuronal pathway and strengthened it. Every time you tell the story of the time you burned yourself on the stove? Yep, you’re activating those pathways again!

So when you sign the client, host the retreat, or launch the offer, your brain activates certain neurons and they begin to wire together. The more clients you sign, the stronger that neural pathway becomes. The same thing happens when you imagine it.

How Visualization Activates Your Reticular Activating System (RAS).

Your RAS is a brilliant little mechanism in your brain that decides what information makes it into your conscious awareness — meaning what you notice. Research shows we only notice about 12% of what happens around us. Imagine if you could program which 12% you want to notice? (YOU CAN!)

Once you start visualizing a specific outcome to create and strengthen that neural pathway, your RAS begins to filter for anything that ‘looks like’ an opportunity to complete that vision. That’s why so often, after visualizing something, you’ll randomly start to notice little signs or possibilities. It’s not random. It’s your brain doing its job!

Visualization reduces fear and resistance.

When we’re not familiar with success, your nervous system and brain treat it like danger. It becomes the ‘imaginary’ saber-toothed tiger barreling down the hill to pounce on you and have you for dinner. It’s an unknown factor, and therefore, dangerous! Visualization removes the unknown factor to help your body relax and ease off on the resistance. It can help you take the necessary action to create the success you’re craving.

Visualization lines up thought + feeling + action.

Just imagining your wish fulfilled is powerful on its own, but magic happens when you pair it with strong emotions. The nudges come. The synchronicities come. The signs come. When you follow through on them, your goals stop feeling impossible and start feeling inevitable.

Fluffy mindset tool? Eh, maybe. But there’s enough compelling evidence that it’s a rock-solid strategy for success! Mental rehearsal prepares your whole being to succeed before you even step onto a stage, send a proposal, or launch that next offer.

So remember: don’t just write the plan. See it. Feel it. Practice it in your mind.

Because when you visualize your success, you’re training your brain and body to take confident action. Make your success inevitable!