Here's a mind-blowing fact: the physical sensations of nervousness and excitement are nearly identical. Racing heart, sweaty palms, heightened alertness - your body can't tell the difference.
The only difference? How your brain interprets these sensations.
Engagement Message
Have you ever felt "good nerves" before something exciting?
This discovery led to a breakthrough technique called anxiety reappraisal. Instead of trying to calm down (which fights your physiology), you reframe the energy as excitement.
You're not changing what you feel - you're changing what it means.
Engagement Message
Which feels easier for you: calling the feeling excitement or forcing yourself to relax?
The magic phrase is simple: "I'm excited" instead of "I'm nervous." Both acknowledge your heightened state, but excitement feels empowering while nervousness feels threatening.
Research shows people who say "I'm excited" before speaking actually perform better than those who try to calm down.
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What would change if you viewed your energy as excitement?
Here's why this works: excitement and nervousness share the same high-arousal state. Your body is already energized - now you're just giving it a positive label.
Trying to go from high arousal to calm requires fighting your biology. Going from nervous to excited just requires a mental shift.
Engagement Message
Which label feels more empowering to you right now—"nervous" or "excited"?
Let's practice the reframe. When you notice racing heart, sweaty palms, or butterflies, say: "My body is getting ready to perform. This energy will help me connect with my audience."
You're acknowledging the sensations while reframing them as preparation, not panic.
Engagement Message
What other positive interpretations could you give your nervous energy?
