Performance Myths Debunked!

Often a big part of understanding stage jitters and raising our stage confidence is  allowing ourselves to connect with our fear and accept that it's Ok to be afraid!!
When we have an idea inside of our head..... It has the potential to render us powerless.
So, let's take a minute and look at some common myths that disempower us!

1. You're Either Born With IT, or you're not - NOT TRUE!
I know that I've touched upon this idea previously and
I have a whole 'nother article explaining YES you were born with the special IT Factor

That article focuses on the idea that even the Most Talented and Famous People, practice, plan and prepare performances. Period. That is the key to their show mojo.
Learning How to prepare is huge part of Performance Success and building stage confidence.
Also, even people who are seasoned pros still get nervous!
It's part of the pre-show adrenaline rush! You have the ability to powerfully transform your perspective on that anxious feeling in your body. Instead of nerves? Think of it as EXCITEMENT, you are preparing to go out there and ROCK!

2. It's Easy for Everyone Except Me
(That's Because a Good Performance LOOKS Easy)

One of the saddest things is to feel alone. So let me DeBunk... A lot, Most, Many people have stage jitters! Even Super Famous people; Example: the glorious uber-successful Barbara Streisand – she hardly plays live because of stage fright.
Yes, for some people getting up on stage is natural and fun and it's what they LOVE to do! I've worked with 'hams' who still get shaky pre show!
Understand this.
Performing is something no one really ever teaches you.
Chances are, the first time you picked up your guitar, it took time to press the strings and learn the chords. The Cool thing is that you were 'practicing' mostly in the privacy of your home.
The first time you played a live performance? You were not alone ....
You were practicing a new skill in front of a room full of people!!  Yikes!
Perhaps.... That's WHY we get nervous.
Most things in life that we have to learn, we can give ourselves time to be alone and develop our facility. Performing (and playing competitive sports) are 2 of the only things that I can think of where we are learning and practicing IN FRONT of Other People. Think of yourself like a Pro-Football player. They go to the gym, and practice with their team & coach for hours before the Big Game!

3. The audience is the enemy (Actually they Want to be your FRIEND)

People go to shows to be entertained and they want us to succeed. That's why they Come to see YOU! Most non-musicians are fascinated by your talent and envy your creativity as well as your courage to go on stage. Take THAT to your next show.  They show up because they believe in you and they want to have FUN! In most situations the bulk of the audience is not even familiar with the technical aspects of music.
If you are doing original music? Most of the time No One except you and the band knows if you've made a mistake. AND if you your fans know your music THAT well? Well, then they already love you and aren't going to judge!!
OK, what if the bulk of your audience is filled with 'music-types' (ahem! Nashville and NYC)
It is not worth your time to focus on the Naysayers (focus on the positive energy)
They are going to pick apart everybody, Good OR Bad has nothing to do with it. People who judge others harshly usually aren't happy people, so why do you care what they think anyway?

4. Performance is NOT about Perfect – It is about Passion
Preparation + Passion = a great Performance
The recording studio and Auto-Tune are about perfect.
Performance is about WOW! touching people and sharing emotion in that moment
Think of it like fireworks!  Bright and Exciting then the show ends...  Then people want to feel that energy again so then? they buy your CD ;)

Also, performing often brings a lot of unknown quantities in terms of sound, equipment, audience hecklers, etc, etc. In most circumstances, perfection isn't even an option. However, you still have the responsibility to show up and Do Your Best!

The best performances are not about perfection, they are about passion.
The point of prep is to enable you to access that passion - ideally you are not thinking about the next chord, lyric, movement - you are connected with the material and that way you can share it with the audience from a relaxed space.

The point of technique & prep is to free our spirit

Know that Fear is Pretty Typical. It gives us an energy boost, it's normal when you are learning a new skill (especially when you are practicing IN Front of People!)
Allow the Audience to be your friend, Do your Homework so that you can relax and connect with them!
Once you allow and accept stage jitters, the less they will overwhelm you!
When you allow your creativity to shine through it gives people strength, courage, shared emotions and it uplifts them. What a Gift You have to Give :)

Stay Tuned for Performance Success Phase II, launching in March!
Til Then
Rock on with Your bad self!
Love and Light
Meredith
MeredithBlis.com