How athletes visualize obstacles, not trophies

Visualising success feels productive. Vision boards, manifesting, picturing the finish line. It gives the sense that you’re moving closer to the goal. 

But according to the research, that mental shortcut might actually be working against you. 

In Part 2 of this two-parter (listen to Part 1 here), I continue my conversation with behavioural scientist and author Nir Eyal to unpack why. Nir spent six years researching how beliefs shape what we see, feel, and do, and why the stories we tell ourselves can dramatically change our behaviour. 

We talk about the surprising power of “failure goals”, why lucky people often manufacture their own luck, and how leaders shape behaviour through the invisible simulations they create at work. Nir also explains why framing matters more than many leaders realise, and why the way you interpret discomfort can completely change how you perform. 

And when it comes to visualisation, Nir shares a key insight from elite sport. High-performing athletes aren’t picturing themselves standing on the podium. They’re visualising the moment things get hard, and exactly what they’ll do next. 

Nir and I discuss: 

• Why setting a failure goal can actually increase your chances of success 

• The study that shows why some people experience themselves as “lucky” 

• How beliefs shape what we see, feel, and do in everyday life 

• Why leaders are effectively designing simulations through workplace culture 

• The powerful role of framing when introducing ideas to teams 

• The “believe, anticipate, feel, confirm” loop that shapes our experiences 

• How expectations influence the way we experience products and brands 

• Why visualising the finish line can reduce motivation 

• What high-performing athletes actually visualise when preparing to succeed 

Key quotes 

“Failure without learning is a different story. But as long as you are failing and learning, that is progress.”  

“Athletes aren’t visualising the trophy. They’re visualising the obstacles in their way.”  

Connect with Nir Eyal on Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn and his website and check out his latest book Beyond Belief. 

My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ 

Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) 

If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe 

Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. 

Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au 

Credits: 
Host: Amantha Imber 
Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler 

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