Socks For Success!
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?