Whether it’s standing on a stage or behind a startling line, performing and competing can be scary…palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy-Eminem-kind-of-scary. And it isn’t scary because you necessarily want to win, though come on, you always do. Performing and competing is scary because it puts you on the spot in front of everyone, or at least what feels like everyone, with only one chance to accomplish your mission. And while there may be other competitors, it always feels like you – and only you – are the one being closely inspected under a microscope. So naturally, you get nervous, freeze up, and lose sight of your purpose. Well, not anymore. Here are four tips on how to overcome your nerves and win, the keys to successfully conquering your nerves before the big day:
1. Forget What’s On The Line
Maybe it’s something or maybe it’s nothing – either way, forget about it (or at least try to). The best way to psych yourself out is by solely focusing on what’s at stake. Sure, something huge can be on the line – a scholarship, for instance – but what good will reevaluating the prize over and over again do? None. It’ll stress you out even more, with dozens of “what if” scenarios that’ll scatter your mindset and ultimately drag you off course.
2. Practice Like You Mean It
What you do beforehand makes all the difference in how you deliver the day of. Feel the weight of your performance before you have to deliver it for real. Whether it’s skating, cycling, or running, practice like you’re already at the event and prepare mentally as well as physically. This way, you’ll feel much more prepared and consequently less nervous when the day actually arrives.
3. Prepare For Mistakes
This may seem counterintuitive to always performing at your very best, but expecting the worst is the best practice in managing yourself when something unpredictable is hurled your way. Learn how to roll with the punches, because the punches are inevitable: Mistakes aren’t as much mistakes as they are a structured part of competing. They happen to the best of us, and to the worst of us, so it’s time we learn how to efficiently respond.
4. Prepare.
And then there’s how you prepare on the day of. Be early. Disconnect. Eat. Hydrate. Stretch. Breathe—don’t’ forget to breathe. And relax. There’s no one all-encompassing solution to overcoming your nerves, but there is always another event to attend or competition to perform in.
Best of luck!
If you really want to win though, you should win with the SHOWME Laser Keyboard.
