Your Book of Evidence EP 435

Isn’t it interesting how quickly we can remember something that went wrong?

An awkward conversation from years ago can show up with remarkable detail. Meanwhile, something we handled well last week barely gets a mention.

When we’re facing something unfamiliar, those memories can make us question ourselves.

What if I mess this up? What if I can’t do it? What if it’s harder than I think?

Our minds are pretty good at calling our attention to potential problems. That can be helpful. But a possible problem doesn’t tell the whole story of what we’re capable of.

That’s why I like the idea of keeping a book of evidence.

It doesn’t have to be an actual book. It could be a note on your phone, a folder of kind emails or a page in your journal.

Somewhere you keep reminders of things you’ve done, learned and worked through.

You handled a difficult conversation. You asked for help. You figured out a piece of technology that frustrated you. You kept a promise to yourself. You started again after a disappointing day.

Put those things on the list.

Include the ordinary ones too. We tend to dismiss something once we know how to do it, forgetting there was a time when it felt unfamiliar.

This is especially helpful when you’re putting in the reps and progress feels slow.