You look at the pole and think, That’s 8 inches higher than my personal best. There’s not much chance I’ ll jump an additional 8 inches. Maybe I could make 1 or 2 inches over my personal best, but 8 inches? I don’t think so. Your anxiety increases.
You hesitate but know you must try, because all eyes are on you. You run toward the pole, but your heart isn’t in it. You’ve already given up. Now instead imagine that the pole had been set at 6 feet 7 inches, one inch higher than your personal best.

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