Three Characteristics Every PWS Needs To Stop Stuttering

Patience

When a PWS begins the neuroscience method, they quickly realize that reading aloud every day, doing Auto-Suggestions twice daily, and practicing crutches each time they speak are all essential. This new routine can feel overwhelming at first, but patience is key. Coach Lee often says that it is you versus yourself. Measure your progress today against yesterday, and even a 1% improvement is still progress. Reward yourself for it. Comparing your journey to others only breeds impatience, stress, and unrealistic expectations. Remember, your path is unique. Results do not happen overnight, but with consistent practice, progress will come.

Patience gives you direct control over yourself. It allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than be hijacked by emotions. For example, if a PWS forgets to be a speech cop, they may fear, plan, and force words, and then complain that the methods don’t work. In reality, the cause is simply not following the method fully. Achieving your goals requires doing what’s necessary, even on bad days. Discipline is what keeps you moving forward.

Consider the Stanford marshmallow experiment: children were offered one small reward immediately or a larger reward if they waited. Those who could wait tended to have better life outcomes. Similarly, you must exercise patience to complete the program. WSSA offers a holistic program with several stages. Unfortunately, some leave once they become PWSS and never realize the full benefits. Those who continue through the second stage—“loving to speak in all situations”—attend SAM meetings regularly and actively participate in crutch practice sessions. These participants are far less likely to relapse because they learn to face different situations and manage their fears. My humble request is to stay with WSSA until you achieve all your goals for better speech outcomes.

Optimism

Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Whenever a PWS faces a pressured situation, it should be seen as an opportunity to apply crutches. WSSA pioneered mind training in the stuttering space. By doing ASTs daily, I visualize myself speaking fluently, filling my mind, body, and soul with positivity. This habit is addictive and profoundly transformative. In my work as an internal auditor, I regularly make phone calls to clients. With mind training and crutches, I was able to thrive and succeed. My German clients were so impressed that they offered me a position to work for them in Germany.

Resilience

Setting speech goals is crucial for developing resilience. A new PWSS should not immediately tackle high-pressure situations they aren’t ready for, as it could damage their confidence and undo progress. Progress should be slow and steady. Begin practicing crutches in safe spaces, such as with family or friends. Some may even feel more comfortable speaking with strangers. Identify your safe zone and practice there. Minor glitches in these situations won’t damage your confidence, and you’ll be better prepared for more challenging scenarios. Recovering from a bad incident is harder if you don’t know how to use a crutch properly. In such cases, seek help from WSSA coaches. A coach can observe your technique and guide you in using crutches correctly. Finally, active participation in crutch practice sessions and SAM meetings is essential. Practice speaking in small groups, give feedback, and immerse yourself in the community. Remember, 80% of success comes from simply showing up.