August 1, 2026
Events | Wellness
Performance anxiety can happen to anyone.
It might show up as a little extra adrenaline before a meeting or a full-blown panic attack before stepping on stage. Most of us have experienced some version of it.
I’ve performed since I was young, playing shows for two people in the audience and for hundreds. No matter the crowd size, I’ve felt the nerves before walking on stage. Over time, I developed a practice that completely changed the way I approached performing.
Before a show, I would stand in front of the mirror and intentionally step into the version of myself I wanted to be for that performance. Some artists create a stage persona to separate themselves from who they are offstage. While I’m not suggesting you become someone else, I do believe it can be powerful to intentionally embody the most confident, prepared version of yourself.
When we’re anxious, our brain wants to convince us that we’re unprepared, not good enough, or that we’re going to mess up. This exercise helps interrupt that story and replace it with one that’s grounded in truth.
Stand in front of the mirror and repeat affirmations in the present tense using “I” statements. For example, if you’re preparing for an important presentation, you might say:
- “I know this material because I’ve prepared for it.”
- “I am confident, capable, and I trust myself.”
- “I can stay calm under pressure.”
- “I don’t have to be perfect to make an impact.”
- “I have something valuable to share.”
It may feel awkward at first, but that’s okay. The goal isn’t to convince yourself overnight, it’s to begin reinforcing a different belief system. If you practice this for a few days leading up to your performance, meeting, presentation, or difficult conversation, you’ll often notice your confidence growing before you ever step into the room.
Practice Before the Performance
One of my favorite things to do with clients is become their audience.
Performance anxiety often lessens through safe, repeated exposure. In our sessions, I’ll ask clients to perform the very thing they’re afraid of: sing the song, give the presentation, practice the speech, or read the lyrics out loud. Together, we create a space where making mistakes is expected and welcomed.
Each time you practice in front of another person, you’re teaching your nervous system that being seen is safe. By the time the real performance arrives, it isn’t the first time you’ve done it, it’s simply another repetition.
Confidence rarely comes from waiting until you feel fearless. More often, it comes from practicing until your mind and body begin to believe, “I’ve done this before. I can do it again”.
THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP.