Foundation
Address yourself by name before the difficult step
Whenyou are about to make a request you have been avoiding
Use your name to look at the situation from a little distance: “Sam, what are you afraid will happen? What would you tell a friend?” Answer honestly, then make the request.
- Try saying
- Sam, they may say no. What do you want to ask them anyway?
Start tiny
Use your name and answer one question.
When it slips
Use “you” if your name feels awkward. Keep the answer concrete.
Evidence grade BAt least one solid study
Kross et al. (2014), Self-talk as a regulatory mechanism: How you do it matters. Read the source ↗ — Seven studies on non-first-person introspection and social stress. Short script and cue adapted; the evidence is not a guarantee for every conversation.
Foundation: The load-bearing practices you return to. Build the base and keep it in play.
