Take action

So while it might seem a little silly to create such a thing, try putting together a “positivity cheat sheet,” listing a range of topics that would be helpful and empowering to think about the night before a big audition. Or when you’re stewing in a warm-up room before a high-pressure performance. Maybe it’s simply a 3×5 notecard (inches, not feet!) that you keep in your case. Or perhaps even better, an Evernote notebook on your phone (so you could make each cheat sheet item a separate note and flip through them more easily). The idea being, your poor brain already has a lot on its mind the day of an audition or performance. Why make it work even harder than it has to? Instead of expending extra effort to will your mind into a good place, use your cheat sheet to help trigger memories of the last time you had a great performance. The supportive comments or compliments you’ve received from teachers or colleagues whose opinions you trust and respect. Or even post-audition plans to hang out with friends at the new Vietnamese taco place you’ve been curious to try for months. (via)]]>