Stage Fright: The Stage

…many performers face a parallel fear related to the similar issue of being the focus of others’ attention and having their performance evaluated.

Janet E. Esposito author of In The SpotLight

Janet states the obvious, but how often would we admit it so elaborately?

Before getting into any meat of this subject, I want to clarify that when I refer to “performance,” I am referring not only to an actual stage act, but moreover a life act. The parallels between these two acts are significant, and I hope to point them out to ultimately better understand ourselves in each of them.

What first sparked my interest in this subject was when my former employer recently eliminated my job position.  While I empathize with those who lost their jobs along with me, I can say that I was a little less worried than most.  I had nothing definite planned for a career, and I had no idea what I even wanted to do next. All I knew was that I was not only ready to move on but excited as well.  In the pot of mixed emotions, these words would not dissolve: The stage is set.

So it’s on to the next act.

I get stage fright.

I hesitate.

I fear.

Willpower has to overcome.

Though I am not too clear about it, I will admit that I am progressing to my next career and more importantly, my calling.  I often check-in with myself and ask why I’m not more proactive as it seems that my stage is already set.  There are a few reasons.  Before getting into these reasons I want to share what I try I ask myself daily:

• What do I want to do?
• Why do I want to do it?
• How close am I to doing it?
• What is stopping me today?
• How will I overcome it today?
• Am I being honest with myself?

It doesn’t matter where you are in your pursuit of your dreams and goals as long as you’re pressing towards them. Some may believe that the pursuit itself is living the dream.  You may agree with this, or you may not. That is fine.  I just want to point out that if your stage is set, be honest with yourself about where you are in regards to your next act. I, myself, am working on this too. The show must go on, and I want to be included.

so yeah…

To be continued

Tags: fear, in the spotlight, janet esposito, spotlight, stage fright, transition, willpower