Nervous energy can manifest itself in a variety of different ways. Whether it’s dry mouth, a nervous twitch, shaky knees, the slightly-higher-than-normal voice, involuntarily hunched shoulders, we’re all susceptible and it’s impossible to predict if or when those butterflies will kick in.
Here’s a great analogy several teachers have shared with me over the years: imagine a spotlight hanging above you. That spotlight represents what you’re aware of at any given moment. If the spotlight is on you, then you’re in a state of self-awareness. If the spotlight is shining on someone or something else, that means your awareness is on that person or thing. So if 100% of your spotlight is on someone else, how much is on you
Zero, right? And therein lies the problem. You’re in the moment, hopefully, you’re feeling great, your preparation is kicking in. So far so good. But suddenly your voice cracks or you make a mistake in the text or your knee trembles. You immediately become self-conscious. All those negative thoughts come flooding back in and the spotlight has turned its gaze in your direction.
Terrifying, right?
Whatever methodology or approach you take to your work, this is
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