🔵 The truth about visualization

Most people think of visualization as picturing themselves winning...

...standing on the podium, closing the big deal, or executing flawlessly when it matters most.

They imagine the perfect scenario unfolding, free of setbacks or adversity.

And while there's a time and place for that kind of visualization, it's not the most powerful way to prepare for peak performance.

The real power of visualization comes from preparing for what can go wrong, and mentally rehearsing how you'll respond. High performers don't just visualize success; they visualize setbacks, pressure, and obstacles so that when challenges inevitably arise, they're not shaken. They've already been there in their mind and know exactly how to handle it.

Today, we'll break down the differences between best-case visualization and adversity visualization, and show you how to use both to unlock your potential.

The Right Way to Use Best-Case Visualization

There is value in visualizing your ultimate success....

....when used correctly.

Best-case visualization helps transform your ideal life vision into reality. If where you are now feels far from where you want to be, picturing yourself achieving your biggest vision can help bridge the gap for your subconscious.

For example, a startup founder might visualize their company scaling to a billion-dollar valuation, reinforcing confidence that their dream is attainable.

This kind of visualization expands your belief in what's possible and primes your mind for growth. 

However, best-case visualization isn't enough when preparing for a specific performance moment. That's where adversity visualization comes in.

Imagine a high-stakes business negotiation. A company leader sits at a long table across from potential buyers with the deal on the line. Instead of simply picturing themselves confidently closing the deal, they visualize the pushback, the tough questions, the uncomfortable silences, the moments of doubt. They see themselves keeping composure, staying logical, and calmly redirecting the conversation toward a favorable outcome. By the time the real meeting arrives, they feel prepared, having already mentally navigated the most challenging scenarios.

Now, picture a trader monitoring the markets. They've done their research and have a plan, but suddenly, a major unexpected shift threatens to wipe out their position. They're more likely to panic if they've only visualized making the perfect trade. But if they've rehearsed this scenario in their mind, visualizing the moment the market turns, the emotional surge, and their strategic response. They can make a calculated decision rather than react emotionally.

Or take a poker player at a final table with a seven-figure first prize. They start as the chip leader, but they find themselves short-stacked after a brutal bad beat. Many players would unravel in frustration. But this one? They've visualized this moment before. They've felt the sting of loss in their mind, rehearsed the comeback, and already built the resilience needed to fight their way back. And that's precisely what they do.

Why You Need to Visualize Adversity

When the stakes are high, things rarely go according to plan. The best in the world are those who can take challenging moments, unexpected setbacks, and high-pressure situations and still perform at their highest level.

If you've only trained your mind to expect perfection, any deviation from that can create panic, frustration, or self-doubt. But when you've mentally rehearsed dealing with adversity, you become stronger, more adaptable, and more resilient when challenges arise.

By preparing your mind for setbacks in advance, you train yourself to thrive under pressure rather than crumble under it. When the unexpected happens, you won't just react. You'll respond with confidence and clarity because your mind has already been there before.

Instead of just picturing yourself winning, visualize yourself adapting, staying calm, and pushing through the worst moments.

Action Steps: How to Use Visualization the Right Way

• Start with Your Big Picture Vision: Use best-case visualization to build belief and confidence in your long-term goals.

• Rehearse the Toughest Moments: For specific events, visualize things going wrong and how you'll respond—calm, collected, and adaptable. Don't just see the challenges—feel the frustration, the nerves, the uncertainty—and practice keeping yourself in control.

• Use The Right Tool: Best-case visualization is used to expand the capacity of success your subconscious believes is possible. Adversity visualization is used to prepare for specific performance events, allowing you to mentally rehearse how to handle setbacks and stay composed under pressure.

Success isn't about avoiding adversity. It's about being prepared for it.

The best performers in the world aren't those who expect things to go perfectly; they're the ones who adapt when they don't.

If you're looking to use visualization to take your performance to the next level and want a tool that uses both Best Case, Adversity, and many other forms of visualization, you'll want to take advantage of the Black Friday sale on Primed Mind, where you can save 70% on your first year's membership.

I've curated and recorded hundreds of mindset audios, covering nearly every high-performance situation you can imagine. Whether it's starting your day off right, performing your best when it matters the most, or falling asleep fast, Primed Mind has visualizations to help you reach peak performance.

And at just $36 for your first year, there has never been a better time to give it a try

The sale ends tomorrow, so check it out now before time runs out.

See you next week,
Elliot Roe