Fear Not

I am about to go on stage. I’ll be performing the same thing I’ve practiced for a long time. I’m used to doing it, and normally, that makes me relaxed beforehand. But today, I’m nervous. Today I’m nauseous. I’m starting to doubt myself, questioning if what I’m about to perform is useless and boring. Thoughts like “Why do I think anyone wants to listen to what I have to say?” and “Other people can and HAVE done this before, way better than me. I am about to fail” flood my mind.

That’s a tough spiral to get out of, especially as the clock ticks down to when I have to present. How can I break free? The fear is real, and it’s intensifying with each passing moment.

In the face of fear, I have to find the courage to interrupt these thoughts. I stop the mental chatter, telling myself, “Wait a minute… I can think about these things later.” In that one minute where I pause these thoughts, I look around. No one is chasing me. I am safe. I am not on stage right now. As neutral thoughts come in, it gives me an opportunity to think clearly about what’s happening. My breathing slows, and I experience a sort of reset. Relaxing my mind helps me remember the truth: I am about to do something I am comfortable with and prepared for.

ACTION: Build your “pause” muscle today. Before you jump into a task, take one minute to stop what you’re doing and breathe. Notice how it affects your mind.

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