I do the whole visualize thingy, seeing myself in 3rd person going up/over/down thatever, then seeing it from my own eyes.. Then just closing my eyes for a second, thinking "I'm going up/over/down, and that's the way it bloody is!"
A few seconds later, I'd probably have dialled the thing. I ride loads better when I'm 100% determined (read above) and not just mucking about.
Last second braking keeps the mind sharp. You shouldn't brake until the wheel hits the edge, that's the way to hold large ups on the backwheel...