For instance, if a person thinks they can't explain a project in public, they envision failing, making mistakes, and being ridiculed. She will fail if she tries because of stress. You'll reinforce your inability if you don't try.

I can remember having to get up in front of about 60 people for a business networking meeting. I was absolutely PETRIFIED and had NO idea how I was going to successfully pull it off. To make it worse, I was the LAST of the group of people to speak.

When I had to go up there, I only remember that it felt like the whole room was closing in on me. Everything went dark and I have NO recollection of what I even said.

A friend of mine was with me that day and she was like "you sounded absolutely great", lol - yet I didnt even know what I had said because the fear was so absolutely overwhelming!

She was probably just being kind to me, but either way... am I glad I did it - YES! I stared that fear in the face!