You'll See It When You Believe It: The Science Behind Visualization
I was at my niece's softball game in California, listening to the coaches shout at each batter: "You are a hitter! Visualize it going to the green! See it going over the fence!"
Honestly, it seemed like a lot of motivational fluff for 12-year-olds. But it got me thinking about why coaches do this with athletes at every level - from little league to the Olympics.
Turns out, there's actual science behind why it works.
The Science Your Brain Already Knows
Neuroscience studies show that visualization activates the same neural pathways as actually performing the action. When Michael Phelps mentally rehearsed every stroke from wall to wall before a race, his brain was getting the same workout as if he were actually in the pool. Tiger Woods has been visualizing golf shots since he was 13. Serena Williams uses it before and after matches to embed successful plays into muscle memory.
Your brain literally processes visualization the same way it processes real experience.
If you're constantly telling yourself "I just can't seem to make any money," your brain accepts that as reality and brings that energy to every sales conversation. But when you visualize yourself confidently closing deals, delivering exceptional work, and growing your business, your brain starts operating from that reality instead.
The research shows visualization increases motivation, boosts self-confidence, improves decision-making, and reduces stress. You're literally strengthening neural pathways toward success.
When I started my home staging business, client consultations terrified me. So I began visualizing them the night before. I'd picture myself walking up to the house, confidently introducing myself, building rapport with clients I'd never met. I visualized driving that intimidating 26-foot truck to my staging projects, parking it perfectly, and unloading like I knew what I was doing.
Did it eliminate anxiety? No. But it gave my brain a roadmap to follow, and those meetings started feeling more natural.
Making It Work for Your Business
Before you check your phone or open your laptop, take five minutes to visualize your most important task for the day. Don't just think about completing it - see yourself executing it smoothly. What does it look like as you're doing it? How does it feel when you've finished? Actually feel that satisfaction of completion.
You're not just being positive - you're training your brain for success.
When you're stuck on a business decision, visualize the different outcomes for each path you're considering. Ask yourself: Which path takes me closer to my goals? Which one energizes me versus drains me? Which aligns with my values and brand?
When I was deciding whether to close my staging division in 2023, I kept visualizing different futures for my business. Every time I pictured continuing with staging, I felt drained. When I visualized focusing entirely on coaching, I felt energized. That made the decision obvious.
Here's where visualization fails for most entrepreneurs: they think positive thoughts without taking action. You can't manifest success by just thinking about it. You have to combine visualization with strategic planning and actual work. You're not hoping for success - you're mentally rehearsing it, planning for it, then executing it.
Don't visualize going from zero to six figures overnight. If you're struggling financially, start by visualizing a strong month, then build from there. Focus on the process, not just the outcome. See yourself going through the challenging parts, not just celebrating at the finish line.
Every top performer uses visualization because it works. The energy you bring to your business, your confidence in sales conversations, your ability to push through challenges - it all starts with what you're telling your brain is possible.
Stop waiting to see it to believe it. Start believing it so you can see it.
What's one business goal you could start visualizing today?
About the Author: Shauna Lynn Simon is on a mission to help ambitious female entrepreneurs Build Stronger. Work Smarter. Dream Bigger. Through her Real Women Real Business Mastery Program, she helps driven entrepreneurs combine strategic planning with proven mindset techniques to create sustainable business growth without burnout.
If you feel like you’re doing everything right but still not getting the right clients, the right money, or the right momentum, check out our next free webinar!