Can’t Visualize Your Goals? Understanding Aphantasia and Systematic Organizing

The Story

One day, I was listening to a podcast (I can't remember which) and there was a guest that was talking about aphantasia. Aphantasia is a characteristic in which there is an absence of visual imagination; those who have it can't picture people, places, or objects in their mind. As the guest described his experiences, I felt something shift inside of me. After listening to his story, I immediately took the test he cited for aphantasia. I discovered that visualizing images in your mind is a spectrum and that I have hypophantasia, which is at the very low end of that spectrum. I can see some images faintly, but they are far from the vivid degree of a typical person. I also learned that aphantasia or hypophantasia is considered a form of neurodiversity and is comorbid—often co-occurring—with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Aphantasia & Influence On Daily Life

As you can imagine, aphantasia or hypophantasia presents unique challenges to daily life. I have found that these struggles create an opportunity for me to think out of the box and use my strengths to problem solve. Here are some interesting observations I have noticed due to my lack of visual images:

Difficulty with Spatial Awareness and Directions

• Map Reading: It's hard for me to read a map unless I turn it in the exact direction I am facing. My mind finds it difficult to translate North into South or East into West mentally.

• Verbal Navigation: It's easier for me to remember directions if I create verbal cues (like "it's next to the school") since I can't picture the physical layout of the route.

• Systematic Thinking: Because I lack a mental "blueprint," I find it necessary to think through actions systematically. I have to deliberately consider each step of a process rather than visualizing the finished result. As a professional organizer, I’ve realized that this lack of a mental 'blueprint' means I have to lean heavily on external systems for task management. Because I can't always visualize the end goal of a project, I rely on broken-down checklists and visual cues to keep my executive functioning on track.

Impact on Daily Life

• Enhanced Appreciation for Nature: I’ve noticed a deeper reflection on how I enjoy nature. Because I don't rely on abstract mental images to "replay" the scene later, I tend to be much more present and appreciative while I am physically there. I walk my dog on the trails behind my house every day and I often take a “green break” by looking out my window to relieve stress.

• Relying on Objects and Photos for Memory: I rely heavily on tangible items to connect with my memories. Without clear mental images, photos and meaningful objects act as my visual anchors to the past. This also explains why letting go of physical items, like old photos or mementos, can feel so daunting. For me, these objects aren't just 'clutter'; they are the actual architecture of my memories. Without them, it can feel like I am losing a piece of my own history, which is why I advocate for a compassionate, slow approach to organizing sentimental spaces

• Social Interactions & Facial Recognition: I often remember names but have trouble connecting that name with a face until I have seen someone many times. This can lead to embarrassing interactions where I have to ask someone for their name again, even if we’ve spoken several times. Sometimes I even confuse people with someone who looks similar, which is even more uncomfortable.

Aphantasia & The Professional Organizer

What’s most interesting to me as a professional organizer is how aphantasia intersects with executive functioning. When you can't 'see' your future self completing a task, it’s much easier to lose track of time or feel overwhelmed by a messy room. I’ve found that using external tools—like clear bins, labels, and digital calendars—isn't just a 'good habit' for me; it’s an essential bridge that helps my brain manage the physical world when my mental one is a bit more quiet.

The Broader Picture

Neurodiversity and Aphantasia

Aphantasia fits into the beautiful, broad spectrum of neurodiversity. It is fascinating to explore the different ways people experience imagery—or the lack thereof—and understanding these differences is vital for self-compassion. Our brains simply have different ways of filing and retrieving information.

Encouragement for Self-Discovery

I invite you to consider your own mental "eye". Have you ever taken a test related to aphantasia? Whether you think in vivid movies or in silent, non-visual concepts, your experience is valid. I would love for us to discuss these challenges and the unique perspectives that arise from varying mental imagery capabilities.

In Conclusion

Understanding my hypophantasia has been a transformative journey. By recognizing how it impacts my daily life—from how I navigate the world to how I remember the people in it—I can better embrace my neurodivergent self. I encourage you to share your own experiences so we can create a supportive community around our shared challenges with imagery and memory.