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Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ 

In this episode, I talk about the idea of "acting as if" - taking action before you fully believe you can, and using that to chip away at compulsive hoarding behaviours.
I share stories from my own life, including how channelling others’ confidence helped me move through paralysing shyness, and how small steps can help shift thinking around possessions and habits.
It’s all about behaving your way to progress, even when your feelings haven’t caught up yet. Listen in to find out more, including how to go about it without burning out or being retraumatised.

Introduction to "Acting As If"
Explanation of the “acting as if” concept: taking action before you truly believe in it
Shyness in childhood, learning to appreciate autumn)
Psychological Basis for "Acting As If"
Theory that action creates motivation
Contrast with waiting for motivation or readiness
Clarification: distinction from toxic positivity
Application to Hoarding Disorder
Connection between repeated cycles and hoarding behaviour
How new actions create evidence and lead to belief changes
Importance of breaking cycles of hoarding through behaviour change
Practical Strategies for Acting As If
Imagining how another person (someone without hoarding disorder) would act
Acting as if items are already gone to help with psychological closure
Acting as if you trust the process or expert advice
Acting as if you deserve a nicer home and greater self-worth
Acting as if letting go of items won’t be as painful as feared
Acting as if you can tolerate discomfort
Common Obstacles and Challenges
Feeling like a fraud or being inauthentic
New actions feeling unnatural
Comparison to physiotherapy exercises: discomfort as a sign of change
Intensification of difficult feelings and memories
Panic, grief, anger, fear
Navigating emotional responses and learning from them
Separating intense emotions from actual danger
Distinguishing between productive discomfort and harmful pushing
Productive discomfort vs. burnout or retraumatisation
Importance of support and learning moderation
Slipping up after success with “acting as if”
Giving yourself permission to start again
Using setbacks as data, not failure
Benefits of Acting As If
Reduction of analysis paralysis and cognitive overload
Achieving small wins and momentum
Disproving fears through new evidence
Gradual adaptation of beliefs and feelings to new behaviours
Brain’s capacity to notice new patterns and adapt
Tips and Encouragement for Trying “Acting As If”
Suggests listeners identify one area to test acting as if
Reassurance that belief is not required to begin
Details about the Chirp Your Home decluttering course

Links

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Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding
Become a Dehoarding Darling
Submit a topic for the podcast to cover
Questions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestions
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