TrainerRoad: It works when you do the work!
I have a Ramp Test playlist on Spotify that I have going full blast, and I time it to have Rage Against the Machine’s Killing in the Name towards the end, so when my legs and lungs are begging me to stop I can shout at 'em “$*@#) you I won’t do what you tell me”.
I keep the power numbers showing because I find it a bit more motivating knowing that I’m able to stay close to the power targets each step. I’ve often hit new power bests during races etc when I have a target to chase (or a group to stick with), not in time trials, and I think seeing the power numbers each step acts as a ‘target’ of sorts for me.
I know I’ve gone deep when my wife says she heard me making anguished, unintelligible grunts. She came in once wondering if someone was accidentally smothering the dog or something.