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I'm not sure why, but the link yesterday didn't work.

Instead of linking again, here is the whole article.

I'm training a series of AI coaches for an online version of the MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success book. The goal is to have the AI coach respond as if I were having a conversation with someone.

Here is our most recent interaction which was based on the "Perhaps I Can" technique,

AI Coach: Welcome! I'm Rishi, and I'm so glad you're here. We're going to explore the fascinating mental journey from 'I can't' to 'I know I can,' focusing on the shifts in your thinking and feeling along the way. To start, what's something you've been telling yourself 'I can't do' lately?

Me (with a problem): I can't finish all the things I need to do today

AI Coach: I hear you. It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when facing a long to-do list. Let's explore that feeling of 'I can't.' When you think 'I can't finish all this,' what's the very first feeling or thought that arises in you?

Me: I can't. It's too much.

AI Coach: That 'too much' feeling is a significant one. It speaks to a sense of being overwhelmed, which often triggers the limbic system's fear response. This can lead to shutdown and avoidance. Instead of fighting that feeling, let's gently shift the perspective. What if, instead of 'I can't,' you considered 'Perhaps I can manage some of this,' or 'Maybe I can't do it all today, but I can make a start?' Notice the difference in how those phrases feel in your body.

Me: They feel lighter

AI Coach: Exactly! That's the power of shifting from a rigid 'I can't' to a more open and curious 'perhaps' or 'maybe.' The 'perhaps' allows space for possibility and exploration, reducing the intensity of the initial overwhelming feeling. It opens up your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain associated with planning and problem-solving, which was likely blocked by the initial feeling of being overwhelmed. That lightness you feel is your brain relaxing and starting to consider options. What small, manageable step toward your to-do list feels most accessible right now?

Me: Finish editing the chapter I am working on

AI Coach: Wonderful! That's a concrete and achievable step. Focusing on one chapter instead of the entire to-do list makes the task less daunting. Notice how this feeling is different from the initial 'I can't.' This is your prefrontal cortex taking the lead, breaking down the big task into smaller, manageable parts. As you work on editing that chapter, pay attention to your inner dialogue. If the 'I can't' feeling creeps back in, gently guide yourself back to 'Perhaps I can edit a section,' or 'Maybe I can't finish the whole chapter today, but I can work on one section.' This gentle approach keeps your mind open to progress and prevents the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Me: Thank you

AI Coach: You're very welcome! I'm glad we could explore this together. Remember, this journey from 'I can't' to 'I know I can' is a process, not a race. Be kind to yourself along the way.