Entrepreneurs need to be innovative to stand out in a competitive marketplace. New entrepreneurs are turning to neuroscience to find ways to improve their business performance. A visualization is a powerful tool for behavioral therapy. However, psychologists know that visualization can be used to improve performance.
The ability to visualize has been proven to increase musical power, athletic performance, self-confidence, mental health, physical strength, and even mental capacity. The neuroscience perspective shows that visualization can be used to improve performance in virtually any setting, with only the power of your mind. Business is no exception.
Mike Tranter is a neuroscientist from the University of California San Diego. He specializes in neural circuitry within brains. He has a Ph.D. in neuroscience. He is also the novelist of the best-selling book, A Million Things to Ask A Neuroscientist: How The Brain Made Easy. Tranter is a neuroscientist who has studied the many benefits of neuroscience in daily life. He now wants to help entrepreneurs achieve a competitive edge in business using visualization.
Making visualization intentional
Tranter explained that the brain is accustomed to using visualizations every day. The frontal cortex is involved in planning for the future and decision-making. “Throughout your day, you make decisions based upon expected outcomes and potential consequences of your actions.” Interestingly, visualization allows someone to control this process and direct themselves to scenarios in which they can decide the outcome and the actions and choices made during the process.
Tranter said, “When you close your eyes and visualize something, it engages the neural circuitry in much of the same manner as if they were there.” “Imagine your partner, and it will activate your visual cortex, just like if you were seeing them in front of you.” The act of visualizing can also activate emotional contexts, memories and alter your heart rate. “Your brain doesn’t care that the experience isn’t happening. Your neurons are still activated.”
Making long-term changes in your brain
“Using visualization causes your brain to be bombarded with messages like you are experiencing and repeating a behavior.” Plasticity is the process of changing the brain. Visualizing the piano playing triggers the brain’s synapses, creating plasticity in the same manner.
Tranter explained that the neural process can be used to “help develop your skills when you use them in the real world.” Close your eyes, and visualize the most confident, successful version. What are they wearing, how do you speak, and what do you say? This technique is called outcome visual. It can help you feel like the person that you see. Visualize yourself in the role you want, getting a yes from your dream clients, or seeing a certain amount in your bank accounts. Your brain will perceive this news as accurate, and you will respond accordingly.
A way to experience the natural world
Visualization can be used to help you visualize critical events. Let’s say, for instance, that you have a presentation to prepare. Imagine the moment when you stand in front of an audience. It will bring excitement. Imagine running up a steep hill while enjoying the experience. Imagine hearing a loud siren and feeling calm.
Visualization works best when you visualize the reality of what you are seeing, hearing, and smell. Tranter suggests that “this will cement these experiences in your mind much better.”
You might be meeting potential clients in a conference room that you have been in before. If so, you should try to recall how the space looks and feels. When meeting with a client for the first time, will you be standing or sitting? Will you hug or shake hands differently? This level of detail may seem odd at first, but science proves that it is possible to achieve more remarkable visualization improvement.
The fundamental idea behind visualization is to imagine something as it would look in real life. What would make it real for you? Do you feel anxious or confident, or both? Is your heart racing, or will it be pounding? The more realistic you can visualize, the better your preparation.
It gives you an edge in business.
This might seem like an excellent idea for modern entrepreneurs. Tranter says that visualization is a way to get an edge in business. She suggests that you “imagine situations and potential pitfalls along the journey so that your brain thinks it has already experienced them.” This term was created by Gabriele Oettingen, a psychologist who specializes in goal-setting behavior.
To improve your mental contrast, you need to plan and think about overcoming obstacles. Write them down, practice them, or add them to your visualization.
It is possible to visualize your brain “being challenged on your ideas, hearing adverse news about a key client, or making an important pitch.”
You can bring out the surprise in every interaction by visualizing it. You can prepare the client to be unhappy, the interviewer to fearful, or the audience to be significant. Your brain will feel more prepared to deal with those aspects. This gives you more time to focus on the message.
Where do I start?
Tranter provides advice for those new to visualization and who want to get started. Begin by visualizing for 10 minutes in a calm, comfortable, and familiar place, such as your bedroom. You will get the good results if you start by choosing a time during your day when your stress levels are low, such as before bed. Later, you’ll find that you can find moments anywhere you go. You can do this anywhere you are, whether it’s in a park at lunch or in a subway or train station.
Visualize the way you want your week to go. Visualize a new client being acquired or your ultimate business goal. Visualizing the future and picturing it happening can make you less shocked when it does happen. It might be possible to respond more rationally without the shock factor. Unique is a calm, unruffled leader that cannot be shocked.
