“Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.”
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
~ Do you live with “What if” thinking?
~ Do you avoid an outrageous life because of what others might think of you?
~ Do you always seem to be getting ready to start? “Tomorrow… Someday.”
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. Most of my coaching clients report being afraid to go for their dreams out of fear that they would look foolish, make a mistake or be rejected. In fact, I used to struggle with very similar feelings and fears.
Whether you are getting ready to speak in front of a large crowd and are feeling anxious, have a big interview (or audition) coming up, are about to take a big risk in terms of a new creative project in your business or have an important performance that you are feeling anxiety about, your body, and especially your breathing, goes through many changes. Most of these changes, unfortunately, interfere with performing at your absolute best.
There is, however, a powerful skill that you can develop that is one of the most important tools you can use to control stress and performance anxiety. In my coaching practice I have found that there is no other single skill as effective as this one. This tool is free, can be practiced anywhere and at any time and is something that you have been doing your entire life.
The tool that I am describing is focused, abdominal breathing which can, when learned and applied conscientiously, help you maintain a relaxed state in your mind and body and allow you to function at a stress controlled level. Below are 6 steps that, if practiced and applied, will dramatically help you take control of the physical expression of anxiety.
I am looking forward to presenting at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration
| Date: |
March 5, 2016 |
| Time: |
3:30-5:30 p.m. |
| Event: |
Conference Breakout Session |
| Topic: |
Mental Toughness for Creating Outrageous Achievement |
| Sponsor: |
American Academy of Dental Practice Administration |
| Venue: |
Hyatt Regency Long Beach |
| Public: |
Private |
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
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.
My heart sank, as I imagined each actor thinking frantically what their next move would be to adjust to their new stage setting.
