Acting as If is a simple technique I use in my coaching practice as it encourages clients to think, act, and feel as if they have a desired state. When I use Acting as If in coaching, I’m inviting my clients to speak from a future state and to embody the behaviors, attitudes, and actions that are true in that state. This enables them to try on new ways of being, and when paired with visualization and affirmation, can become a powerful force for enduring change.

Visualization is the process of creating a vivid mental image of a future event. Cognitive scientific research indicates that since the brain doesn’t know the difference between a real memory and an imagined one if you envision something vividly enough, your mind perceives it as something real that you’ve already experienced. This is why many celebrated athletes, such as Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, and others successfully use visualization to level up their game. And so can you!

Excellence is active—it is about doing, not simply being. But what really drives a person to excel? I think if we observed the habits of those who we hold in high esteem for their commitment to excellence, we will find they are I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D: Innovative, Nimble, Success-driven, Purposeful, Integrity, Results-oriented, Engaged, Diligent.