You've probably heard about the power of positive thinking at some point in your life. If you imagine good things, then good things will happen.
For entrepreneurs, concepts like the Millionaire Mindset made some authors (ironically) millions of dollars.
But, there's a problem with positive thinking. This book is a great read on the topic if you want to go down the rabbit hole.
Studies have shown that when we think about the positive outcome, it weirdly makes us less likely to achieve that outcome.
Why?
Because our silly brains take that visualization and trigger our reward mechanisms. In essence, making us think we achieved the thing we're imagining.
Which then makes us less likely to take action.
Thinking ahead is an essential tool. But it's the difference between visualization and mental rehearsal that must be understood.
Take the Super Bowl.
Visualization would be imagining the victory champagne after the game. Imagining the cheering fans after scoring the winning touchdown.
You could call this positive thinking. "Manifesting" is another popular term. But, it won't help the players get there.
But, mental rehearsal is another story. That's imagining the reality of what will happen at the Super Bowl. Planning how you'll handle it.
So instead of imagining the victory party, it would be imagining the training leading up to game day. Imagining the nerves of performing under so much pressure.
Practicing what that will feel like, so you can handle it when the big day arrives.
That stuff is powerful, and will help you reach your goals.
I think we see something similar in piano lessons. When we sign ourselves or our kids up, we don't imagine the time, work, and diligence of practicing.
We imagine sounding awesome. Live music in the house. Playing and hearing our favorite tunes.
Then, when the reality doesn't match up with the imagining, that's where we run into problems.
I dare you to try it.
Take a project. Take a practice. Take a big idea.
And instead of imagining the outcome, imagine how you'll handle the steps you'll take to get there. Practice experiencing that in your mind.
Then, after a week or two, ask yourself if you're closer to the outcome you were hoping for.
