Dr. Shadé Zahrai

I'm never going to get there.

I don't deserve it.

I'm not capable enough.

And then we retreat.

So there's an important step and second step, right?

So you need to visualize yourself getting there.

But then you also, and this is contrary to what a lot of people suggest, what the research suggests, what we encourage all of our students to do is be very clear on what are all the things that are going to get in the way of you getting there.

Be really clear on that.

A lot of people say, no, don't anticipate that because you'll will it into existence.

No, we say be very pragmatic.

What are the things that could get in the way?

One of them is, well, my own belief about myself.

The other one is the people I'm around.

Maybe they will prevent me from getting there.

It could be boredom.

It could be this obstacle, that obstacle, that setback, that failure.

Write them down.

But then there is an important second step.

If you only write them down, you're going to enter an entire world of catastrophizing and worrying.

So the next step then is to ask yourself, what will I do if and when this happens?