On Saturday, September 27, 2014, I had the privilege of opening the concert season of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra by conducting the Star Spangled Banner.
What excitement and joy filled me that night!
I was had a strange mix of happiness and nervousness.
This had been a secret desire of mine for several years.
I was “proud as punch” to claim my secret desire.
I really didn’t care if others were proud of me.
My feelings of empowerment were limitless.
But, I wasn’t always that way.
Rewind 15 years ago and had you been able to listen into the thoughts I was thinking you might hear something like:
- Who do I think I am standing on that podium?
- I don’t know how to conduct?
- What would the symphony players think?
- What would the audience think of me?
- What if I messed up?
- Am I enough to step into this dream?
- If I try, I might make a fool of myself?
Does this sound anything like what goes on in your head as you try to step outside your comfort zone?
How did I make this miraculous shift? How did I get those voice in my head to quiet down?
I went through the same 7 EMPOWER Steps that I shared in my Life Without Limits article.
Specifically, I prepared myself for this important event by actually role playing the evening in a private practice session on the stage the day before. It went like this.
First, I ask to take the stage the day before.
Second, I showed up fully dressed, as if it were concert night. The stage was empty of orchestra chairs and the podium was not there, but in my mind they were. In my conductor coat I stepped on the imaginary podium.
Then, I played the Star Spangle Banner recording from my phone as I conducted the imaginary orchestra.
Finally, I repeated that session 10 or 11 times…..all imaginary, until I was confident and clear. Each time I completed my performance by thanking the orchestra and turning to bow to the audience.
Pretty simple right? Think you can do it? Want a little help? Join me for my upcoming Life Without Limits Event