Are you dreading a high-stakes meeting, a challenging professional task or an awkward conversation? Emma Beddington is not, because she admits to being a craven coward who has dodged such unpleasantness for years. She wonders if having a 'power phrase' might have changed things.
What is a power phrase?
Psychotherapist Amy Morin, author of The Mental Strength Playbook, advocates using a short, positive sentence said to oneself in the moment as an effective two-minute cognitive reset. In Business Insider, Morin explained that she activated her power phrase—'I'm a strong, straightforward communicator'—while answering challenging questions to land her book deal.
The science behind it
Morin points to a study suggesting positive self-affirmations help people solve problems under pressure. Another study indicates they activate reward and self-processing systems in the brain, potentially leading to behavioural change. Despite the cringe factor, the evidence supports the technique.
Beddington's alternative approach
Beddington's usual pep talks lean toward negging—'Just do it, you spineless worm'—or nihilism: 'It doesn't matter, you'll be dead soon.' She finds the latter oddly comforting but acknowledges it may not be optimal. Inspired by Oliver Burkeman's mantra—'How's that working out for you?'—she decides to try a proper power phrase.
The test
Beddington tries: 'I am a reliable, competent writer and I can finish this column.' She reports it works, concluding that simple and cringey can be effective, and that maybe she does need a positive power phrase after all.
