Can something as simple as switching the order of words you say when you "self talk" help you achieve more? Yes, says Daniel H. Pink in his book
To Sell Is Human—when adding a question-mark punctuated "shaft of doubt." Pink describes a study in which problem solvers had to change their inner voice from the usual pep (
I will solve this) to one with a self-questioning tone (
Will I solve this? Will I?). On average, he reports, "the self-questioning group solved nearly 50 percent more puzzles than the chest-beaters. The interrogative, Pink writes, "prompts you to summon the resources and strategies to accomplish the task" and motivates you from
within.
