Begin at the End
Albert Einstein famously said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” He went on to state, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” It’s no wonder that so many performers in media and sports use their imagination to visualize success.
Jim Carrey was a struggling, broke comedian when he drove up Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, looked out at the city lights, and wrote himself a check for $10 million for “acting services rendered.” He kept it in his wallet until he made $10 million.
Serena Williams lies in bed before matches and imagines winning every single point. She uses multisensory imagery to feel the physical movements, pressure, and environment. This mental toughness helps her stay calm during high-stakes Grand Slam moments.
Comedians work backward using a process called reverse engineering, starting with the punchline and reconstructing the setup to fit perfectly.
Feeling the result tells the brain “this is important”
Whether you’re a talent putting together a show segment, a manager leading a meeting, or a salesperson negotiating with a client, align your energy by visualizing and feeling a successful result.
It doesn’t work to merely say, “This show is going to be great.” Your subconscious mind responds to emotion. That’s why rote affirmations don’t work. In addition to seeing a successful result, you must feel the emotion of it, like Serena Williams.
That simulation activates the same neural pathways involved in performing the goal. For talent, once the show plan is in place, visualize and feel each segment flowing effortlessly and successfully.
Believing Cements Your Imagination
Your subconscious mind and imagination operate in images, symbols, and feelings.
In Jimmy Johnson’s Hall of Fame speech, he said that he didn’t just hope or dream about winning a Super Bowl; he knew and believed it would happen. When you see it, feel it, and believe it, your subconscious mind accepts it as truth and works in the background to make it happen.
Putting It All Together
- What is your desire or goal?
- See the result you want in detail.
- Feel the emotion of your goal realized.
- Believe and trust that it has already happened.
