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Tag: my good day socks

Nathan

Socks For Success!

Daily Post

If I ever enter the clothing business or have Viva Survivors-branded apparel I think I would start with socks that helped confidence.

All of the marketing would be very clear: this is a placebo.

The socks are only a reminder that you do good work. You have done well in the past and can do so again in the future.

I wore a pair of my “good day” socks to my viva and among the tiredness and uncertainty they gave me just a little more support. Over the years since I made a decision to only have socks that I could attach that specialness to – and consequently, every day could be a “good day”!

Every day I have a little reminder: my own little confidence boost.

 

Placebos can be very helpful. As Seth Godin says, “A placebo is a story we tell ourselves that changes the way our brain and our body work.” They don’t have side-effects and they work!

Please don’t mis-understand me: of course you need to do the work.

You need to work towards your PhD. You need to do the prep work for your viva. Then find useful things to help remind you of all of that.

Socks or songs, charms or chocolate – what do you need to give you that little extra push to being your best?

Nathan

My Good Day Socks

Daily Post

I’ve noted before that I wore a pair of my “good day socks” to the viva. There’s no magic involved, just a little boost. An association I’d built up in my mind with particular socks and the state of “having a good day”.

I’d done the work, read my thesis, made notes, met with my supervisor and more. I was as ready as I could be for the viva.

So on they went: cushioned, comfortable, secret pattern hidden at my toes and heels. It put a smile on my face and stilled the wings of one of the butterflies in my stomach.

A little boost.

When you’ve done the work, when you’ve read your thesis, when you’ve made your notes and met with your supervisor – what else can give you that little boost in confidence?

Is it silly? Does that matter?

Postscript: For the longest time I had three or four pairs of good day socks and all of my other socks were normal. One day it struck me… If I had more pairs of good day socks, then every day could be a good day! Or rather, I could prime myself every day to think of the day ahead as a good day. Socks, songs, routines, whatever makes a difference. For the viva or everyday, what could make that difference to you?