Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The next time you feel nervous or anxious, instead of bracing for impact, try saying: "This is exciting."
Your response might surprise you.
Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer says this isn't a trick, it's biology. Nervousness and excitement are the same emotional state, but your brain just responds to whatever label you give it first.
Which means the next time anxiety hits, you have more control than you think.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of A Bit of Optimism wherever you get your podcasts.
The next time you feel nervous or anxious, instead of bracing for impact, try saying: "This is exciting."
Your response might surprise you.
Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer says this isn't a trick, it's biology. Nervousness and excitement are the same emotional state, but your brain just responds to whatever label you give it first.
Which means the next time anxiety hits, you have more control than you think.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of A Bit of Optimism wherever you get your podcasts.
