“I have done it before” is such a powerful anchor.

You will not always have to do “it”, and when you are not doing “it”, it can be unnerving to think about not doing “it” in that moment. However, your ability to say, “Well, in the past, when I wanted to, I did it,” can be a strong anchor to help you escape that feeling. It is often also sufficient to get you through having to do “it” again.

I asked Google Gemini to help me unpack and explain that. I like what it came up with.

This draft is exploring the concept of self-efficacy as a psychological safety net. It captures the idea that past evidence of your own success is a more powerful antidote to anxiety than simple positive thinking.
Here is a breakdown of the core themes your draft is touching on:

  1. The “Proof of Concept”: The draft argues that “I have done it before” isn’t just a memory; it’s functional evidence. When you face a daunting task (the “it”), your brain often generates “what if” scenarios rooted in fear. By pointing to a historical fact, you replace a terrifying unknown with a proven known. You aren’t guessing you can survive; you are remembering that you already have.
  2. Identity vs. Action: There is a subtle point here about identity. When you aren’t currently doing the “it” (whether that’s being productive, being brave, or being creative), you might feel like you’ve lost that part of yourself.
    • The Unnerving Feeling: “If I’m not doing it right now, am I still the kind of person who can?”
    • The Anchor: Reminding yourself of past actions confirms that the capacity is a permanent part of your character, even if the action is currently dormant.
  3. Reducing the “Activation Energy” – The final sentence suggests that this anchor does more than just make you feel better—it actually fuels future performance. In psychology, this is related to Self-Efficacy. If you believe you are capable based on past results, the “activation energy” required to start the task a second or third time is much lower because the mystery of “can I?” has been solved.
  4. Stability in the “Off-Season” – The draft beautifully highlights the “unnerving” nature of the gaps between achievements. We often feel we are only as good as our last win. Your draft suggests that the “anchor” allows you to be at peace during the times you aren’t performing, because your track record acts as a bridge between your past and your future.

“Past success is a reservoir. Even when the taps are closed and the ground is dry, the water is still there, held behind the dam, waiting for the moment you decide to turn the handle again.”