Stompcast Pt 3: Why Change Feels Uncomfortable and Why You Need It | Dr Shadé Zahrai
15 snips
Jan 28, 2026 
Dr Shadé Zahrai, psychologist and researcher on self-doubt and self-trust, shares practical frameworks for confidence. She explores why change feels uncomfortable and how choosing discomfort fuels growth. Conversation covers role-model priming like the Batman study, cognitive diffusion to not believe every thought, hope as a skill, and actionable steps to rebuild self-trust.
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Expectation Shapes Experience
- What you expect from others shapes your behaviour and what you perceive in interactions.
- Expectation bias and confirmation bias make neutral signals confirm your negative beliefs.
Batman Role-Model Priming
- Children told to ask “What would Batman do?” persisted longer on a hard task.
- Priming a role model helped them perform better and stay focused.
Role Models Build Belief — With Risks
- Role models boost agency when you can see yourself in them and imitate their actions.
- But if role models fail you may wrongly generalise their failures to yourself.
