" Here’s the second paradox: When you spell out all of Art’s reasons for being negative, you’ll shift him into a more positive attitude. Initially he’ll probably rise to ambivalence, that in-between place where he says, “Yeah, it’s godawful right now. But I know you need me to do this, and I’ll see if I can pull it off. Just don’t expect miracles.” At that point, you’ll have enough forward momentum to nudge him to make the leap all the way to acceptance: “I know I’ve screwed up. But I can do this. I really can. "

― Mark Goulston , Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone