How do you psych yourself for a challenge? A conflict? (Serendipity Bible 10th Anniversary Edition, page 771).
To
psych myself up for a challenge or conflict I do one of two
diametrically opposed things – I image the encounter as closely and
concretely as possible, or conversely, I focus not on the details of
the encounter but, skipping over all that, I strive to feel good
about the ultimate goal expressed in abstract terms that emote highly
favorable connotations and feelings and that do not envision specific images. For
example, if someone tells me that they gave me as a reference and that I should expect a phone call from a prospective employer, I will do
my best to envision a phone call in which I specifically have things
to say in the reference interview. This is the typical practice I
have when I must give a speech. I practice it as much as possible
visualizing myself in front of the audience. Sometimes, however, I do
not envision the means concretely, but rather I indulge in fuzzy
images and strong emotions. For example, when I registered to get an
advanced degree, I did not envision in grueling detail late nights of
study and stressful hours of research, rather I skipped over all that
and anticipated the good feelings I would have in being a student and
eventually graduating. Thus, to psych myself up, I do whatever is
necessary – either envisioning reality in concrete detail or else
abstracting it and wrapping it up in good feelings. The important
thing is that I accept the challenge willfully and eagerly. The more
unpleasant the task, the more necessary it is to hide concrete
imagery. Another example is when I buy a new car. This activity
involves both approaches. I vividly envision myself driving the
shiny, brand new car; while at the same time I obfuscate the drudgery
of making monthly car payments for five years – either not
picturing the writing of 60 hefty checks or else basking in the
generalized feeling of responsibility and reliability accepting such
an obligation gives. Again, in psyching up I do whatever it takes to
move forward.
