Psychotherapist Amy Morin recommends ‘power phrases’ for stressful situations
9 reported
A Guardian opinion piece explores the concept of "power phrases" as recommended by psychotherapist Amy Morin. Morin, author of The Mental Strength Playbook, described in Business Insider that a short, positive sentence said to oneself can serve as an effective two-minute cognitive reset. She used her own power phrase, "I'm a strong, straightforward communicator," while answering challenging questions to land her book deal. The article's author, Emma Beddington, expresses initial skepticism, calling the concept "cringey" and comparing it to giving oneself a talking-to. However, the article notes that Morin points to studies suggesting positive self-affirmations can help people solve problems under pressure and activate reward systems in the brain, potentially leading to behavioral change. The author also references Oliver Burkeman's mantra for those daunted by change: "How's that working out for you?" The piece concludes with the author trying a power phrase and reporting it works.
What’s reported
Psychotherapist Amy Morin recommends "power phrases" for dealing with sticky situations.
Morin is the author of The Mental Strength Playbook.
She described the technique in Business Insider as a "short, positive sentence you say to yourself in the moment" for a two-minute cognitive reset.
Morin used her power phrase, "I'm a strong, straightforward communicator," while answering challenging questions to land her book deal.
The article's author, Emma Beddington, initially finds the concept "cringey" and compares it to giving oneself a talking-to.
Morin points to a study suggesting positive self-affirmations can help people solve problems under pressure.
Another study cited indicates affirmations activate reward and "self-processing" systems in the brain and can lead to behavioral change.
The author references Oliver Burkeman's mantra: "How's that working out for you?" for people daunted by change.
The author tries a power phrase, "I am a reliable, competent writer and I can finish this column," and reports it works.
Key figures
Amy Morin: psychotherapist, author of The Mental Strength Playbook
Emma Beddington: author of the Guardian opinion piece
Oliver Burkeman: thinker referenced in the article
Sources: The Guardian
