Dealing with Nervousness

Nathan learned during university presentations and job interviews that imagining the people he loved in the crowd or beside him eased his nerves. He began to feel their love even though they weren't there. He admits it sounds cheesy, but says it genuinely makes you feel less alone.

First you picture the situation clearly: the people present, the environment, what is happening. He ties this to the saying that proper planning and preparation prevents poor performance, the six Ps. Only then do you place friends and family around you, smiling and cheering.

After seeing your loved ones, you're asked to embody the confidence they hold in you, because they know you can do it. Then you speak to yourself the way a best friend would, telling yourself you are capable and worthy.

You repeat a short set several times: I am capable, I am able, I am prepared, I am ready, and I am able to overcome negative thoughts about the situation. The repetition gives you simple phrases to remember when nerves return.

Yes. Nathan says you can use the visualization while you're in the middle of whatever you're dealing with, since it only needs your imagination. You can also replay the whole session as often as you like beforehand.

No. Nathan says nerves are healthy; the trouble comes when there's too much. He explains that fight or flight tends to make things feel bigger than they are, and this practice aims to settle that so it doesn't get in your way.