Thoughts on Performance Anxiety: Charlie Siem

'What will people think?'
'What if I miss that note?'
'What if I forget that passage?'
'Is what I do really important?'
These are all questions that may come to mind due to performance anxiety and the fear of failure. Not just restricted to the music profession or the violin, these feelings bleed into everyone's lives and in any profession.  I still struggle with the fear of performing.

Below is a Ted Talk by Charlie Siem, a British concert violinist who really inspires me. Watch this video for his thoughts on performance anxiety and how playing the violin has brought meaning to every area of his life. As Charlie states in his talk, "Performance is a risk, you never know what is going to happen...But, expectation of how people perceive you, is a negative thing...it holds you back from possibly greater opportunities."

I love his boldness and dedication to his music. These concepts and his insights can be applied to anything you are fearful of. That upcoming recital, or that presentation in your science class you are dreading. Just remember that life is a journey of learning. We are all learning, we all make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes, to get up and keep going. Embrace the process. Find beauty in-between reaching your goals.

Thanks to Charlie for his thoughts!
Larissa

P.S.
Remember to love yourself even when things don't go well.
"Your life isn't defined by the few successes you have, but the bits in between." -Charlie Siem