Northamptonshire hypnotherapist completes 21-day challenge and discovers a new sense of confidence

A Northamptonshire hypnotherapist who challenged herself to post a video every day for 21 days says the experience surprised her by revealing that she was more capable than she had believed.

Frances previously shared her journey while the 21-day experiment was still underway. Now, having completed the challenge, she is reflecting on what the experience has taught her about confidence, self-belief and overthinking.

Frances B. Lafferty, of Lafferty Hypnotherapy, began the personal experiment to explore her own overthinking and discomfort with being on camera. At first, she worried about how she looked and sounded, what she should say and how other people might respond.

Across the 21 days, she continued recording and sharing videos, including from different locations. She used a self-hypnosis relaxation anchor  “3, 2, 1… relax, relax, relax” both before and during filming, and shared candid reflections about days when she questioned why she had started.

“When I watched my videos back, I was surprised that I sounded okay and came across like I knew what I was doing,” said Frances. “It reassured me that I was more capable than I had believed.”

She says she still experiences overthinking, but has become more comfortable in front of the camera, feels more confident and spends less time second-guessing videos once they are posted.

“I haven’t stopped overthinking,” she said. “But I’ve learned I can keep showing up even when I’m questioning myself. For me, it’s progress, not perfection.”

The final video marked the end of the challenge with a light-hearted celebration and thanks to people who had watched, commented and offered encouragement.

For her final video, Frances added a colourful moustache and glow sticks to bring some humour to the celebration. When the video appeared on her Facebook feed afterwards, she found herself smiling as she watched it a contrast with the self-consciousness she felt at the beginning.

“I’m glad I had a bit of fun with it,” said Frances. “I love having a laugh, and I hope it makes other people smile too. I’d rather try something than look back wishing I’d done it.”

Frances, who is dyslexic, now hopes to continue making videos about dyslexia, confidence and emotional wellbeing. She has not yet decided whether to post daily or less frequently.

The experiment was a personal reflection, not a clinical study. Frances does not claim that self-hypnosis alone caused the changes she observed.