Entry #6 - Jekyll and Hyde (Kind of)

Hey, I'm back again with another blog post, and this time, I want to talk about something that many people can relate to - stage fright. You know that feeling when you're about to go on stage, and your heart starts racing, your palms get sweaty, and you feel like you might just forget everything you were supposed to say or do? Yeah, that's stage fright in a nutshell. But here's the funny thing - once you actually step onto that stage, something magical happens. All those nerves seem to disappear, and you suddenly feel a surge of confidence and energy coursing through your veins. So, what's the deal with stage fright, and why does it seem to vanish once you're in the spotlight?

Well, let's start with the basics. Stage fright, also known as performance anxiety, is a common phenomenon that many people experience when faced with the prospect of performing in front of an audience. It can manifest as feelings of nervousness, fear, or even sheer terror, and it can affect anyone, from seasoned professionals to first-time performers. So, why do we get stage fright in the first place?

One major factor is adrenaline. When you're about to go on stage, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, releasing a surge of adrenaline into your system. This physiological response is your body's way of preparing you to deal with a perceived threat - in this case, the stress of performing in front of an audience. The adrenaline rush can leave you feeling jittery and on edge, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and nervousness.

But here's where things get interesting. Once you actually step onto that stage, something changes. Your focus shifts from the audience to yourself, and you enter what psychologists call a "flow state." This state of intense concentration and focus is characterized by a feeling of being completely absorbed in the task at hand, to the point where everything else fades into the background. In other words, you're so focused on what you're doing that you don't have time to worry about what other people think.

This shift in focus is crucial when it comes to overcoming stage fright. Instead of fixating on the audience and worrying about what they might think of you, you're able to channel your energy into your performance. You become more attuned to your own thoughts and actions, which allows you to perform with greater confidence and skill.

Another factor that can help explain why stage fright seems to vanish once you're on stage is the power of positive reinforcement. When you step onto that stage and start performing, you're putting yourself out there in a very real and vulnerable way. But as you begin to engage with your audience and receive positive feedback - whether it's in the form of applause, laughter, or just attentive silence - you start to build momentum. Each positive response reinforces your confidence and encourages you to keep going, until eventually, you find yourself riding a wave of energy and excitement that carries you through the rest of your performance.

So, the next time you find yourself grappling with stage fright before a performance, remember this: it's completely normal to feel nervous, but once you step onto that stage, you have the power to turn those nerves into fuel for your performance. Embrace the adrenaline, focus on your own experience, and trust in your ability to captivate your audience. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself with how confident and capable you can be in the spotlight.