🧠 Don't underestimate your power

I think people really underestimate how magnetic you become when you’re at peace with who you are instead of trying to be everyone's cup of tea.

Thank you Talkiatry for sponsoring today’s email. Click here to complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. 

- Case Kenny

1. Parallel lives…

Let’s talk about how to be effectively delusional in your life - the healthy, effective kind that helps you picture the future you want and actually move toward it.

Most visualization focuses on the breakthrough: the reward, the win, the “someday.” That matters. But the most productive delusion has a flip side: it’s not ignoring the roads you didn’t take, it’s letting them motivate you in the right way.

Psychologists call this counterfactual thinking - mentally visiting alternate realities. There are two types.

Upward counterfactuals imagine the better outcome: “If I’d started sooner…” Under the right conditions, that doesn’t create shame, it creates motivation, because the gap still feels closable.

Downward counterfactuals imagine the worse outcome: “At least I didn’t settle.” That doesn’t make you complacent, it builds resilience by reminding you why discomfort is worth it.

Elite performers toggle. Upward when they need fuel before a big moment. Downward when they need perspective after a setback.

Try this: take ten minutes. Visit two parallel lives.

First, picture the version where your “already mine” future is real - write one thing they’d do this week that you’ve been avoiding, then do it. Second, picture the version where you played it safe - feel the quiet regret. Then come back to your life and notice what you still have: possibility, momentum, and the energy of still trying.

Let the futures you didn’t choose keep you hungry. Let the futures you escaped keep you grateful.

2. Words are spells…

… and there's a certain time every day when they're 10x more powerful.

The words you say to yourself right before you fall asleep determine what shows up in your life tomorrow. Your brain doesn't shut off when you sleep. It works all night strengthening whatever words were in your mind right before bed.

Fall asleep saying “nothing ever works out for me” → research shows that negativity gets hardwired, and you wake up expecting the worst and finding it.

Fall asleep saying ”everything I want is coming to me” → you wake up  expecting it and finding evidence everywhere.

Your brain finds new solutions during sleep. Give it optimism to work with, and you'll wake up attracting new possibilities.

You're casting a spell every night whether you realize it or not. Make it work for you.

3. A mindset…

I think people really underestimate how much life bends in your favor when you decide everything you want is already yours and you're just on your way to collect.

Some things I’m excited about…

Thank you Talkiatry

Unlike therapy-only apps, Talkiatry is psychiatry. That means you’re seeing a medical provider who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication when it’s appropriate. 

Talkiatry is a 100% online and provides comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and even ongoing medication management for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and more. 

All of their 600+ clinicians are in‑network with major insurers and getting started only takes a few minutes. Complete a short online assessment, get matched with clinicians who fit your needs, and schedule your first visit in days, not months. 

Click here to complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. You can get matched in minute.

Major cheat code in life…

Try talking to yourself in third person when you're spiraling. "Sarah's freaking out, but Sarah's handled worse" - self-distancing turns down the emotion so you can actually think.

Let’s work together.

This year I’m focused on doing MORE in-person events, speaking, and workshops. Optimism is amplified in community. If you’re interested in bringing me in to lead one of my “language of optimism” sessions for your company or community, visit this page.

My name is Case. I’m passionate about the language of optimism.

For speaking/keynote inquiries click here

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