Visualize the Difficult Process to Achieve Goals

Key Quotes

"So, here's what everybody gets wrong about manifesting. Everybody, at least kind of in the mass market, what you're trained to think about when you think about manifesting is vision boards. And when you hear the word vision boards, you think about the big stuff."

Mel Robbins explains that the common understanding of manifesting, particularly through vision boards, focuses on the ultimate desired outcomes. This approach, she argues, is where many people go astray in their pursuit of goals.

"Here's where everybody goes wrong. You dream about the end. You make this gorgeous collage of all this stuff that has nothing to do with your current life. That literally as you're sitting in your studio apartment with the cat box that has a big changed in two weeks. No food in the fridge. No food in the fridge, and you're looking for a job and you're staring at a mansion going, someday."

Mel Robbins highlights the disconnect that occurs when vision boards only depict the final achievement without acknowledging the present reality. She points out that this creates an insurmountable gap, making individuals feel inadequate and demotivated.

"The way to visualize properly is to visualize the bridge. Between where you are and where you need to go. The bridge. Yes, and particularly the horrible stuff."

Mel Robbins introduces her core concept of visualizing the "bridge" to success, emphasizing the importance of including the difficult aspects of the journey. She suggests that focusing on the challenging parts prepares one for the actual work involved.

"What you do by visualizing the bridge is you train your nervous system and your mind to do the hard work. So you should visualize not crossing the finish line, but what is it like to be at mile 12 when your batteries run out on your earbuds? I'm serious. And you keep going."

Mel Robbins argues that visualizing the arduous steps of the process, rather than just the end result, actively prepares an individual's mind and body for the challenges ahead. She uses the example of visualizing specific difficult moments during a marathon to illustrate this point.

"So like for people who want to launch a business, for example. Like a lot of people that I'm sure follow both of us are dying to launch a business or interested in being an influencer or social media or making money online. And what you visualize are the checks. Or you visualize the money you're going to make. Or you visualize how cool it's going to be when you're a lifestyle entrepreneur. Whatever the hell it is. Don't do that."

Mel Robbins advises against visualizing only the financial rewards or glamorous aspects of entrepreneurship or online careers. She states that this common practice of focusing solely on the outcomes is a misstep in the manifestation process.

"Visualize making cold calls and being told no. Visualize not going to that party because you're staying in on a Saturday and not going to the barbecue because you're putting in the work. Visualize sitting at a seminar and learning from other people."

Mel Robbins provides concrete examples of visualizing the difficult, unglamorous work required for success, such as facing rejection or sacrificing social activities. She explains that this practice builds resilience and prepares individuals for the actual effort involved in achieving their goals.