Turning Nerves into Power: Here’s How

Read time: 4 minutes

We all know that feeling right before something big...

Sweaty palms, racing heartbeat, that knot in your stomach as you step outside your comfort zone.

Sound familiar?

What if I told you there's a way to train your brain to turn those nerves into pure excitement?

At the start of October, I put this idea to the test.

4 weeks. 4 uncomfortable moments. 4 opportunities to grow.

Each week, I pushed myself into something new and uncomfortable.

I define "uncomfortable" as a novel & unfamiliar situation.

You'll hear many folks defining it as “scary” or “fearful”. But usually — something scary is something unfamiliar.

In other words, something you haven't experienced before.

Often, we feel nervous because we’re facing something new.

That's it. It's that simple.

So with that in mind — the solution is pretty straightforward.

Put yourself in unknown situations until they become familiar.

Yes, this takes time.

And intentional effort.

Hence why I did it strategically — over 1 month & with at least 7 days of separation between each event.

In week one, I was nervous.

I hosted my first online workshop with over 40 people.

I felt:

• Worried I’d fall short

• Uncertain if I’d hold everyone’s attention for 90 minutes

• Afraid I’d embarrass myself in front of a large, live audience

The main reason was that I hadn't done something like it before.

I’d spoken to live audiences before, but never online — and never for 90 minutes straight.

So my evidence of my ability to perform "well" in this particular activity was low.

But, here's the thing my friends.

When your confidence is low, it’s not a signal to back down.

It’s a signal to go for it and start building evidence for yourself.

No, it won’t be your best performance — so don’t expect it to be. The sooner you collect that evidence, the sooner your confidence will grow.

When we put it this way, the decision seems pretty logical, doesn't it?

This was my motivation for the challenge:

I wanted to increase my evidence bank, proving to myself I could present in front of large audiences on new topics.

And let me tell you — by week two, my confidence had already grown. I was about to give my first-ever overseas talk for an executive company, and I felt ready.

Week three during my speech in Mexico?

Even more confident.

And by week four, it was almost a piece of cake.

I say "almost" — because I would be lying if I told you I had no butterflies at all.

And this is where I'd like to introduce you all to a technique that’s changed the way I approach every challenge, big or small.

Psycho-Cybernetics.

Though I’d built confidence in my skills, each new event brought unfamiliar elements.

The fourth week was my first global tech summit.

Not a regular speech like I had already done.

Big names were there, and it was a major opportunity to get my name out.

Therefore, when things are unknown or alien, it’s natural to feel sweaty palms, butterflies, and a racing heartbeat.

And guess what?

It's totally fine.

I'm human. Just like all of you.

This will happen.

But what's most important is what you do after this happens.

And that's where Psycho-Cybernetics, introduced by Dr. Maxwell Maltz, comes in.

This is a psychological approach that centres on using mental imagery to reshape one’s self-image and improve performance. It’s based on the concept that the mind works as a feedback loop, directing thoughts and actions toward goals.

Here’s how it relates to handling nerves and excitement:

1) Mental Rehearsal:

Vividly visualize success.

By picturing each outcome in detail, your mind feels prepared and confident before you even begin. This type of “mental practice” shifts the brain’s response from fear to excitement.

2) Self-Image:

Self-image has a powerful influence on actions.

When you see yourself facing challenges calmly and confidently, you reinforce a positive self-image — and your mind aligns with that outcome.

3) Reframing Failure and Success:

The brain can’t tell a vividly imagined experience from reality.

By mentally “practicing” success and even overcoming potential failures, you can build resilience and reduce anxiety.

Learning about this was monumental for me.

Especially given that studies have shown that your brain can’t tell if you’re nervous or excited.

The feeling is the same.

Those butterflies we feel come from adrenaline.

Meaning that our bodies release it to prepare for action, whether you’re excited or nervous.

This same rush happens in both emotions, literally preparing you to perform.

To turn nerves into excitement, tell yourself, “I’m excited.”

What you call the feeling changes everything.

A Harvard Study proved this shift leads to

• Greater self-belief

• Increased confidence

• Stronger final performance

When you reframe anxiety as excitement, you unlock a pathway to perform better and feel more powerful.

So remember: nervousness is a sign of growth.

When those butterflies hit, remind yourself:

This is a good thing. They’re proof you’re doing something meaningful.

Growth and discomfort are inseparable.

If you’re nervous, it means you’re challenging yourself.

Therefore, next time you feel those butterflies, know that they’re on your side.

Growth, success, and fulfilment are on the other side of nerves — if you’re willing to label them as excitement and step forward.

Start seeing every single moment as a glorious opportunity for you to collect evidence, and go into it telling yourself you're excited.

The courage to face what scares you is the bridge to everything you’re capable of.

Keep building that bridge, my friends.

Thanks for reading!

Much love,

Julian

PS. If you want me to dive deeper into Psycho-Cybernetics, reply to this email with the word “excited.” If enough of you are interested, I’ll share more on Saturday's letter.