Mel Robbins on Visualization

Importance of Visualization

• Essential for achieving goals and reaching potential
• Helps make dreams come true
• Backed by science and research

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

• A network of neurons in the brain
• Acts as a filter system for information:
  • Allows certain information in
  • Blocks out other information
• Programmed by you and your past experiences

Role of RAS in Beliefs and Perception

• Confirms pre-existing beliefs (confirmation bias)
  • E.g., Feeling unlovable will filter experiences to confirm that belief
  • E.g., Thinking people don’t like you filters evidence to confirm it

Why We Have RAS

• Protects brain from information overload
• Filters information to prevent mental overload

Reprogramming the RAS

Visualization as a Tool

• Helps reprogram RAS to spot opportunities and evidence of success
• Begins with detailed visualization of goals

Technique for Effective Visualization

1. Close Your Eyes: Form a specific mental picture of your goal
   • E.g., Improved self-worth: speaking up at work, taking care of yourself
2. Consciously Feel Positive Emotions
   • Imagine the joy, pride, happiness, etc.

• Brain doesn’t differentiate between real and imagined events
• Visualization encodes goals as real memories, altering the filter

Benefits of Visualization

• Increased confidence
• Greater sense of security
• Skill development (as if practicing the actual task)
• More likely to act on opportunities and goals
• Changes belief system, fostering proactive behavior

Practical Application

• Spend 30 seconds daily visualizing goals for the next 30 days
• Visualize detailed life improvements
  • E.g., Achieving financial goals, writing a check, taking kids to Disney World
• Feel the positive emotions as if goals are achieved

Conclusion

• Visualization reprograms the brain to support achieving goals
• Daily practice can transform belief systems and behavior