A belief in my competence helps create my competence.
I often experience the following while traveling: “did I bring X?”
Then I assume I did not bring X. So I don’t look for X. So I don’t get the benefit of X despite the fact that I did in fact bring X!
This structure – and mainly the assumption – creates a downward spiral of incompetence. In reality, however, the issue is not one of competence but one of perceived competence. If I accurately recalled that I had brought the item, I would instead pat myself on the back, reinforcing the positive behavior.
So how do I overcome this spiral? Note when I succeed? Question the times when I assume I have failed? Something else?
[Ironically, after writing this, I misplaced the exact item that I had written this post about. 😂]
Julian Wise 