The Power of Visualization and Gratitude

"I would visualize things coming to me. It would just make me feel better. Visualization works if you work hard. That’s the thing. You can’t just visualize and go eat a sandwich.” – Jim Carrey

Introduction:

In a world where success often feels elusive, Kody Hartlaub shares a transformative approach that combines visualization and gratitude. His journey from a strength and conditioning coach to a performance coach for athletes and businesses is a testament to the power of these practices.

Fourth Quarter Mindset: The Game Isn’t Over Yet

We’ve officially entered the fourth quarter of the year—October 2025.
Just like in sports, this is when most people look at the scoreboard and either get comfortable or give up.

But champions?
Champions fight to the finish, whether they’re winning or behind.

The truth is, no matter what the scoreboard says, momentum is everything.
Even if you’re trailing, the next few months are your shot to build momentum heading into January 1st—your next “first quarter.”

So today, I want to share the exact five-step system I use every single day to finish strong and create breakthrough results.

It’s the same mental conditioning play I’ve used to grow my business, work with elite athletes, and land mentorships I once only dreamed of.

The Origin: How I Discovered the “Play”

When I started coaching, I thought I was just helping athletes get tougher mentally.
But one of my mentors pointed out: “Kody, you’ve been running the same play this whole time.”

That “play” is the framework behind everything I do—from coaching college basketball teams to working with professional athletes and business leaders.

It’s also the same system outlined in a short book called It Works, which breaks down the “magic trick” to achieving any goal.
And the best part?
You don’t need luck. You just need consistency.

The 5-Step “It Works” Formula

1. Know Exactly What You Want

You can’t hit a target you can’t see.
Get crystal clear.

Ask yourself:

• What do I really want in life or business?

• What does it look like in vivid detail?

Visualize it like a movie scene:
The colors, the crowd, the sound, the emotion.
See yourself living it. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between imagination and experience.

2. Write It Down with a Definitive End Date

Once you know what you want, handwrite it daily in a journal; as if it’s already true.

Example:

“I am driving my red Ferrari 488 GTB by December 31st, 2026.”

The date gives your goal urgency and accountability.
Make it reasonably aggressive. A stretch, but possible with effort.

3. Visualize It Three Times a Day

Repetition rewires belief.

Visualize your goal:

• First thing in the morning

• Midday (during a reset or break)

• Right before bed

Do it in a theta state: that relaxed brainwave just before sleep or after waking up.
This state programs your subconscious to spot opportunities aligned with your goal.

That’s how I ended up meeting professional athletes and working with elite performance coaches. It started as a mental movie I replayed every day.

4. Keep Your Head Down

Don’t announce your goals.
Just do the work.

When you quietly execute, momentum builds faster than when you seek validation.
Success loves silence until it’s undeniable.

5. Express Gratitude for Everything

This is the secret sauce.

Gratitude keeps your energy aligned with growth.
Not just for the good, but for the setbacks too.

If someone cuts you off in traffic, say:

“What a privilege it is to have a car, a job, and a purpose to drive toward.”

When you stay grateful, you stay open.
And the world keeps sending you more to be grateful for.

Why It Works

This method isn’t “wishful thinking.”
It’s neuroscience.
Writing, visualizing, and feeling gratitude literally rewire your Reticular Activating System (RAS); the part of your brain that filters what you notice.

You start seeing doors that were always there but invisible before.

Your mind becomes the ultimate scouting report for opportunity.

The Challenge: Your 90-Day Finish Strong

We’re in the final quarter of the year.
Here’s your challenge:

1. Pick one goal you can vividly visualize.

2. Write it down with an end date (December 31st, 2025).

3. Visualize it three times a day.

4. Tell no one. Just execute.

5. Stay grateful, no matter what happens.

Do this for 90 days and watch what happens.

It works.

If this message resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to finish strong this year.
Your support is how this mission grows.

The best is yet to come.
Now go win your day.

- Kody.