What is there to lose?

If you could speak without stammering what would you have to lose?

Seems a daft question but please take it seriously.

You might think in terms of regret about the missed opportunities, the fear of losing the excuses you have had not to do things, of not knowing who you would be - a biggy! or many other things - all legitimate.

How much of your identity is involved in your stammering or vice versa?

At first you may think you have nothing to lose but remember your stammering is part of your behaviour and our behaviour is our evidence for who we think we are. And it is a cybernetic relationship. We are what we do.

I am a smoker ( I actually wouldn't be seen dead smoking) therefore if I smoke I confirm my identity as a smoker. I may be a non-smoker and occasionally smoke, or a smoker who doesn't smoke. The latter is very hard work. Easier not to smoke if a non-smoker but this requires an identity change - not impossible if recognised but can be a big hurdle if unconscious.

The hard work of the covert PWS comes to mind.

Good book INFLUENCE by Robert Cialdini. How do we influence ourselves? Our behaviour is our feedback.

So, what do you have to lose?