Negative Visualization (Premeditatio Malorum)

Anticipation removes shock. Preparation removes fear.

Premeditatio Malorum is the Stoic practice of mentally rehearsing loss, difficulty, or failure before it happens.

Not to worry. Not to catastrophize. But to strip events of their power to surprise and destabilize you.

When hardship arrives unimagined, it feels unbearable.
When it arrives anticipated, it feels manageable.

This practice builds emotional immunity.
You stop relying on hope and start relying on readiness.

The goal is not pessimism.

It’s resilience through familiarity.