Stompcast Pt 2: Why Waiting to Feel ‘Ready’ is Holding You Back | Dr Shadé Zahrai
12 snips
Jan 27, 2026 
Dr Shadé Zahrai, behavioural scientist and author on self-trust and confidence. She explains why making ‘wrong’ choices can teach you, how neural pathways form through repetition, and why waiting to feel ready stalls action. Conversations cover self-trust vs confidence, agency, and practical hacks to act 'as if' and build lasting change.
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Grooved Paths From Repetition
- Dr Shadé Zahrai describes sand-dune surfing to illustrate how repeated paths groove behavior.
- She compares the board's carved path to neural pathways that become default through repetition.
Repetition Turns Thoughts Into Defaults
- Repeating a thought thickens neural insulation and makes that thought faster and more automatic.
- Selective attention then makes you notice evidence that confirms whatever you habitually prime yourself with.
Act First To Build Confidence
- Stop waiting to 'feel' ready and take action to build proof points that generate confidence.
- Develop self-trust by doing things and learning to handle setbacks rather than waiting for certainty.
