What I've learned from my band

Recently, my husband and I were chatting about what it takes to be in the creative process of writing and performing songs. A little background, we are are passionate about music and belong in a band.

Back to the subject. We know that the song has to have energy, and the ability to sell itself to the audience. If the audience doesn’t enjoy themselves while listening and watching the performance, then our mission is lost. We continued sharing our individual process and came to a common conclusion. The first step starts in our thinking process and then flows into our actions.

Formula #1
Confident thoughts + Go for it actions = An energetic, alive, vibrant song, with an enthusiastic audience.

Formula #2
Insecure thoughts + Tentative actions = A weak, flat song, with little audience participation.

When I show up like formula #2, most times the musicality of the song, my voice and the keyboard are not at thier best. If I allow it, my insecure thoughts can take over. If not captured, they can take me into a downward spiral, which can potentially wreck the song, chip away at my self-confidence and leave the audience dissatisfied.

The thing is, I’ve been singing in front of people for years, so why would I ever have this problem? Because at some point I can lose confidence in my God given talent or ability.

In contrast, when I am conscious to stop and say confident thoughts such as, “I am prepared, I have done this many times before, it’s no big deal,” I feel self-assured and am able to relax. It comes across in my actions, I have better tone, the energy level is high, and the audience if fully engaged.

So what does this have to do with living our everyday life? What if we took the concept of this formula and integrated it into daily situations? Confident thoughts + Go for it actions = a life that is more energetic, alive, and vibrant.

When we come across a situation that might tend to deflate our self-confidence, it won’t have to destroy the day. We can choose to believe and trust the concept of this formula. Thus gaining our energy back, ward off the stress of the situation, and feel confident in who we are.

I’m curious, have you noticed how the two formulas show up in your life?

• What examples do you have, (like my band example) that has given you insight into areas of your life?
• What did you learn?
• How did you integrate it into everyday living?

Thanks in advance for your participation and wisdom!