I think most experienced players have, either consciously or subconsciously, a similar image in their minds. One source of steering may be the conscious mind fighting against what has already been worked out.
You move around the table, if needed, to build the image in your mind of the relationship of the cue ball, object ball, and pocket, along with the table as a whole and the other balls, as you figure out pocketing the ball and where the cue ball needs to go afterwards. Once that is in the mind, all that is needed is execution, not more aiming.
I found out many years ago that I could shoot a basketball about as well (after years of playing) by looking at where I was on the floor, based on the lines of the court that were nearby, and my memory of recent movement. I didn't need to look at the goal. I had all the info I needed in my mind, and if I aligned my body and shot, trusting that knowledge, it worked fine.
I think that with a little practice, one could go through their normal pre-shot routine, and then close their eyes before each shot, and do quite well. It might even help one improve eventually, since once comfortable shooting with eyes closed, you start to notice feedback from other parts of your body more.