5 Secrets to Thriving as an Entrepreneur with Aphantasia
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 2
- 6 min read
Written by Lynda Sunshine West, Book Publisher
She ran away at 5 years old and was gone an entire week. She came home riddled with fears and, in turn, became a people-pleaser. At age 51, she decided to face one fear every day for an entire year.
Success in business often demands creative thinking, bold decision-making, and the ability to stay focused when others lose their way. But what if the tools so many entrepreneurs rely on, like visualization exercises, mental imagery, or vision boards, simply don’t work for you?
If you've ever struggled to “picture” your future or “imagine” your goals clearly, you're not broken. You might simply fall on the fascinating aphantasia (the brain's inability to create mental imagery) spectrum of phantasia (the brain's ability to create mental imagery).
Scientists now recognize that there are three main types of phantasia:
The three types of phantasia
Aphantasia: Little to no ability to voluntarily create mental images. When asked to imagine a red apple or a beach sunset, people with aphantasia experience a blank mind’s eye.
Phantasia: Typical or average ability to create mental images. Most people fall into this category, where they can picture things in their mind with moderate clarity, though not always vividly.
Hyperphantasia: Extremely vivid, detailed mental imagery. People with hyperphantasia can create mental images so lifelike they almost feel real, like watching a movie inside their mind.
Understanding where you fall on the phantasia spectrum can be incredibly empowering, especially in entrepreneurship, where “visualizing success” is often treated as the gold standard.
The truth is, you don’t need mental pictures to achieve big things. You just need to understand how your unique mind works best.
In this article, we’ll explore how entrepreneurs with aphantasia, brilliant minds who think differently, are building thriving businesses without relying on visualization at all.
How common is aphantasia?
Current estimates suggest that around 2% of the population lives with aphantasia, although many remain unaware of it (Scientific American, 2021). Because aphantasia is still relatively new to scientific understanding, ongoing studies are exploring how it impacts memory, creativity, and thinking styles.
How to know if you have aphantasia
Are you curious if you might be an aphantasiac?
If you've ever found visualization exercises frustrating (or if the words "picture it in your mind" leave you drawing a blank), you might be an aphantasiac. The Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) is a self-assessment tool that can help you identify where you fall on the mental imagery spectrum.
You can access a free version of the test through The Aphantasia Network.
Why traditional visualization strategies don't work for everyone
Visualization strategies have been a staple of entrepreneurial training for decades: "see your success," "picture your dream life," "imagine the outcome." But for aphantasiacs, these exercises simply don't land the way they're intended to. Without the ability to generate mental images, trying to force visualization can lead to frustration, self-doubt, or feeling like something is "wrong."
The good news?
Mental pictures aren't a requirement for building a bold, thriving business. A different set of strategies, rooted in action, structure, and feeling, can be even more effective.
5 secrets to thriving as an entrepreneur with aphantasia
1. Why taking action works better than visualization for aphantasiacs
Aphantasiacs succeed by focusing on doing rather than daydreaming. Instead of spending hours imagining future success, they set clear action steps and get moving.
Example: Instead of visualizing a bestselling product launch, an aphantasiac entrepreneur maps out the emails, ads, and timeline, then simply executes each step, building momentum through action.
Aphantasiacs vs hyperphantasiacs:
Aphantasiacs thrive by building momentum through small, consistent actions.
Hyperphantasiacs might spend more time vividly imagining every detail of the launch before taking their first step.
While visualization motivates hyperphantasiacs, clear planning and execution fuel success for aphantasiacs.
2. How systems and structures help aphantasiacs stay organized and win
Without mental pictures, aphantasiacs thrive by leaning into tools like project management boards, calendars, templates, and repeatable workflows that keep them organized and clear.
Example: Rather than "seeing" how a launch will flow, an aphantasiac uses Trello, Asana, or paper to plot every task, from idea to implementation, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Aphantasiacs vs hyperphantasiacs:
Aphantasiacs build visible, structured systems to guide their workflow step by step.
Hyperphantasiacs may keep much of their project planning internally within vivid mental imagery.
Aphantasiacs externalize success through clear, written systems rather than relying on memory or mental simulation.
3. How focusing on feelings creates powerful results
Success for aphantasiacs isn't about seeing the end goal; it's about feeling the emotions they want to experience, like pride, excitement, contribution, or freedom.
Example: An aphantasiac business owner doesn't picture standing on a TEDx stage, they focus on feeling the excitement of sharing their message and making an impact, which drives their daily actions.
Aphantasiacs vs hyperphantasiacs:
Aphantasiacs are driven by cultivating internal emotions that align with their goals.
Hyperphantasiacs are often energized by vivid mental rehearsals of future achievements.
While hyperphantasiacs may "see" success, aphantasiacs feel their way forward through passion and purpose.
4. Why verbal and written thinking unlocks innovation
Instead of visual brainstorming, aphantasiacs tap into the power of words. They mind map ideas, journal, create outlines, and discuss concepts out loud to spark breakthroughs.
Example: Rather than sketching a new product idea, an aphantasiac talks it out with a mastermind group, capturing every idea in a mind map that turns concepts into reality.
Aphantasiacs vs hyperphantasiacs:
Aphantasiacs innovate through verbal exploration, writing, and collaborative discussion.
Hyperphantasiacs often brainstorm through highly detailed mental imagery and creative visualization.
Innovation for aphantasiacs emerges from conversation and structure, not from mental pictures.
5. How embracing your differences becomes your greatest strength
The only real limitation is believing you're limited. Aphantasiacs thrive when they embrace their unique cognitive style and let go of outdated expectations about "how success should look."
Example: An aphantasiac entrepreneur who once struggled with imposter syndrome now proudly shares their story, using it as a brand differentiator that attracts clients who appreciate authentic leadership.
Aphantasiacs vs hyperphantasiacs:
Aphantasiacs shine by owning their unique thinking style and building authentic brands around it.
Hyperphantasiacs may thrive by leveraging vivid imagination to inspire creative visions.
Aphantasiacs lead through authenticity, action, and resilience, creating success that looks different and that's a good thing.
The power of living and leading as an aphantasiac
Entrepreneurship isn't about fitting into a single mold. It's about leveraging your natural strengths, even when they don't look like everyone else's.
Aphantasiacs bring clarity, action, feeling, and innovation to their businesses, not despite their differences, but because of them. When you stop trying to visualize success the way the world tells you to and start building it the way your brain naturally operates, you unlock extraordinary possibilities.
Start your journey today
If you're curious to learn more about life with aphantasia or if you're ready to embrace your unique brilliance, I invite you to join Aphantasia Life, a supportive, empowering community for aphantasiacs around the world.
I'm passionate about spreading awareness of aphantasia and helping others see the brilliance of different minds. If you're looking for a podcast guest, event speaker, or expert voice to share the untold story of aphantasiacs thriving in business and life, let’s connect.
Together, we can change the way the world sees success, one brilliant, different mind at a time.
Lynda Sunshine West, Founder & CEO of Action Takers Publishing
She ran away at five years old and was gone an entire week, came home riddled with fears and, in turn, became a people-pleaser. Lynda Sunshine West is the Founder & CEO of Action Takers Publishing, a women-owned book publishing company that is dedicated to empowering 5 million women and men to share their stories with the world to make a greater impact on the planet. Specializing in collaborative book projects, Lynda Sunshine’s journey from fear to fearless living inspired her mantra, "Do It Because You're Scared." At 51, she embarked on a transformative journey, breaking through one fear every day for an entire year. A rock band bassist and passionate speaker, Lynda Sunshine helps others turn their dreams into reality and their stories into lasting legacies.
