Imagination is a wondrous gift, casting vivid worlds in the theater of our minds. But for those with aphantasia, the ability to visualize remains an enigma.

Even the brilliant neurologist Oliver Sacks, renowned author of The Mind's Eye admitted that conjuring mental images eluded him. To fathom this, imagine closing your eyes and summoning a serene beach with white sand and waves rhythmically caressing the shore. Now envision navigating this mental landscape blindfolded, where images refuse to materialize. This is the world of aphantasia—where the canvas of the mind remains blank. Remarkably, aphantasia—limited visual imagery—affects 2 percent of the population, shaping their experiences especially in perceiving future events and outcomes. But this does not equate to a lack of imagination; those with aphantasia can still conjure sounds, from conversations to the taste of a freshly baked cookie. And for everyone, even those initially struggling, the power of imagination can be harnessed and honed. A key that unlocks doors to behavior and, ultimately, performance. For where your imagination goes, motivation flows.

Imagery emerges as a powerhouse mental skill consistently proven to elevate performance, be it on the sports field or in mastering surgical finesse in the operating theater. As a psychologist immersed in the realm of performance, I am taken aback when managers and coaches discover that some athletes that we assess struggle with their imagery ability—an essential mental tool that coaches assume should be the same for everyone. Coaches recall moments when intricate plays were conveyed through visualization only to be met with blank stares. This dilemma prompts the inevitable question: "Can their imagery ability be enhanced to improve performance?" The answer, succinctly, is yes. However, the extent of improvement hinges on the facet of multisensory imagery and an individual's level of neurodiversity.

The Science of Imagery for Performance

Aphantasia exists on some type of spectrum. While those with complete aphantasia may face challenges in nurturing visual imagination, alternatives abound. Kinesthetic, emotional, or tactile imagery can be cultivated. Imagination encompasses myriad senses, each processed in distinct brain regions. Visual imagery activates the occipital-temporal region, auditory recognition finds a home in the anteroventral pathway, and kinesthetic imagery awakens the superior and anterior parietal domains. Thus, mentally rehearsing actions—be it swinging a golf club or maneuvering the body—becomes a realm of possibility.

The pinnacle of boosting imagery proficiency lies in harnessing emotional imagery—a spark of feelings like success, love, or relief. This form of imagery kindles a symphony within the brain. It emanates from the hippocampus, a repository of memories, spreading to the prefrontal cortex where decisions are forged. Emotional imagery unlocks a trove of sensations, memories, and associations, breathing life into imagination and reshaping cognition and behaviors. Through this neural dance individuals unearth the ability to vividly envision scenarios, navigating experiences with heightened clarity. The vistas thus opened usher personal growth, self-discovery, and savvy decision-making.

Unlocking Your Imagination Potential

Embarking on the journey to amplify imagery ability and motivation involves incremental exercises, an odyssey of the senses, enhancing vividness (picture clarity) and controllability (the target thought).

First, engage in observational imagery—immerse yourself in a single sense. Fix your gaze on a brimming mug, let your mind conjure its taste, savoring each nuance and relishing the sensations dancing upon your palate. In the dynamic realm of sports, this mirrors the magic as you watch athletes in action. Watch a soccer player powerfully heading a high ball and feel your body instinctively absorbing the impact. Alternatively, you may observe a missed shot—muscles tensing, heart racing—putting yourself in the athlete's shoes. Observational imagery offers a launching pad particularly beneficial for those with aphantasia, bypassing fantasized visualizations and focusing on other more malleable senses.

Then, enter the realm of PETTLEP (physical, environment, task, timing, learning, emotion, and perspective)—where imagery layers elements for a multisensory experience. Imagine yourself as a golfer: stance set, club gripped, poised on the tee. Feel every nuance, from stance setup to the fluid swing. Attend to the rhythm of breath, guiding focus. Peer through your eyes, experience hitting the ball—the sound, the flight's vivid arc, tracking its descent onto the green. PETTLEP, the most highly researched imagery technique in sport, promotes imagery mastery and propels sporting excellence. For complex challenges requiring tenacity, motivational imagery in the form of functional imagery training steps to the forefront.

Enhancing Motivation Through Functional Imagery Training

As the foundation solidifies, blend observational imagery and PETTLEP with Functional Imagery Training (FIT). FIT, a dynamic amalgam of motivational interviewing and imagery training, ignites change rooted in intrinsic motivation and is more likely to keep you working towards goals than just imagery alone. Collaborating with psychologists or coaches, individuals dissect goals—uncovering values, mindsets and attitudes—then bridge imagery to behaviors.

As intrinsic goals are motivationally charged, FIT has been shown to be effective with those who initially struggle to imagine, including those with aphantasia or poor visual abilities. Imagine for instance, a goal like weight loss, marathon running, or landing that dream job. Combining imagery with understanding is why the goal is important. It acts as a conduit—immersing you in imagining goal achievement, contrasts it with failure, contemplates obstacles, devises solutions, and beckons change. This interplay of imagined outcomes and detailed conversations stokes motivation, propelling individuals into planning phases with agency.

Where Imagination Goes, Motivation Flows

With basics honed, imagine the synergy of FIT with the potency of ongoing imagery training. Athletes, encountering setbacks, perceive and strategize solutions, crafting routines for calm focus and deliberate action. Enhanced imagination begets conscientiousness, reduced stress, heightened focus, and optimal performance—especially under pressure. Our research participants confirm it. Even world class athletes like Novak Djokovic testify to this.

As you embark on your imagery odyssey, remember: where your imagination goes, motivation flows, and it’s here you have the potential to flourish.