Category Archives: Performing

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Focused Breathing: 6 Rules to Overcome Anxiety

Breathe Blog

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Imagine these scenarios:

~ You are getting ready to speak in front of a large crowd and are feeling anxious.
~ The big interview (or audition) that means so much to your career is coming up.
~ The performance that you have been rehearsing for hours on end is here.
~ You are about to take a big risk in terms of a new a creative project.

When you are stressed, anxious or just flat out scared, what happens to your breathing? Do you relax and breathe like a baby? Probably not!

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When Your World Stops Turning

Love Makes the WorldPhoto Credit – Susie Sprinkel Hudson

Closing night. Full house. Final performance of an outstanding original musical, “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round,” written and directed by Vanda Eggington and presented by The American Coast Theater Company. I am seated with my wife Ramona in the second row, center, as we proudly watch our son Nicholas perform as part of a wonderful cast.

A revolving stage, painted as a map of the world, placed the actors at just the appropriate place for them to sing and dance each number. The stage turned every time, perfectly, during each performance for several weeks – until it abruptly stopped during the final act on the final night, leaving each actor out of position and facing every which way but the right one.

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How to Use ‘Mental Rehearsal’ to Overcome Performing Anxiety

 

Prior to performing, what you “see” in your mind, 
whether its weeks or just days before, 
will tend to become who you are in that situation. ~ Don Greene, Ph.D.

 

Visual
 

Have you ever had a performance situation in which you pictured it going poorly?

Maybe you were going to speak in front of a large group, go to a possible career-changing interview, play in an important golf tournament, ask someone on a date or audition for a part in a theater production.

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What Does an ‘Outrageous’ Life Look Like?

“Change and growth takes place when a person has
risked themselves and dared to experiment with their own life.”
~ Philosopher Herbert Otto
Outrageous

In my 31 years of coaching and consulting I have had the privilege to work with world-class athletes, executives, writers, pastors, entrepreneurs and performance artists. During all of these years of working with thousands of individuals, I have never had anyone tell me,

“Can you please help me become a mediocre performer?”
“You know Dr. Nick, I am making way too many sales. How can I become a little less effective with my clients?”
“What are some ways to slow down my writing career?”
“I really don’t care if my art makes it to the marketplace.”
“I am perfectly happy staying afraid and playing it safe.”

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Discover Your ‘Impossible’ Dream

Girl Jumping in the Air

“A burning desire is the greatest motivator of every human action.”
~ Paul Meyer

What do you want in your life? I mean, what do you REALLY want? Not what you wouldn’t mind having. Not what would be nice to have a bit more of. I am asking what do you really, really desire? In order to truly create an outrageous life, it is critical to answer this question without fear or doubt.

So, if you do not mind, let me ask you again. If you were fearless and deaf to your critical inner voice that is trying desperately to keep you safe, what would you really want – in your business, in your creative life, in your relationships, or in your performance? What matters to you?

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What Are You Tolerating?

Tolerations

“Your every action is either an anchor on your tail or it’s the wind in your sails.”
~ Joe Charbonneau

In my coaching practice I often work with individuals who genuinely desire to move to the next level of achievement or success, yet continue to hit roadblocks and obstacles. They cannot understand why, when they put in time, energy and effort, they are failing or are moving slowly towards their goals. One of the first things I do in such a scenario is to ask the following questions: