In the words of Woody Allen, “80% of success is just showing up.”
I think that’s true (more or less).
So what gets you to show up as an artist and get up on stage?
- It’s not the thought of playing to an empty room.
- It’s not the thought of playing to an audience that doesn’t seem to be listening (in fact somebody IS always listening and at least watching from the corner of their eye – never forget this).
- In most cases it’s not the money (there are easier ways to make money!)…
Sometimes it’s the guilt of having spent all that time practicing, recording, and promoting while trading off other social and career opportunities but still not getting anywhere (but this isn’t going to get you up there consistently)…
So what’s it about?
What’s going to get you to put that set together and book that string of gigs?
Is it the prospect of impressing others with your musical prowess? A lot of people think that’s it, but guess what? That idea will keep you alone in your bedroom more surely than anything else. Feeling like you have to be impressive has this funny way of creating massive self-consciousness that only paralyzes.
So – what could it be?
Is it love of music? Well, no, actually…
Everyone loves music, but not everyone gets up on stage…
BUT… It is love – ideally with a big dose of fun shot in. It’s love of sharing something greater than us, something that’s inspired us.
…But unfortunately, it’s a delicate operation because it’s so bound up in identity. We think it’s ours.
Are we worthy of this music? Do we deserve to share it? Are we doing it right? This thing that’s come through us that’s so valuable and meaningful to us… Are people going to like it??
WHAT does it mean about us if people don’t like it?
What’s so hard to get is that its value and the source of that value go BEYOND the individual. What happens in the room is bigger than any single person! That’s what we’re creating.
Sharing is an act of love.
And the irony is, when we share our music with the world, what people don’t like is us diminishing it with our doubt.
Holding it and ourselves back in worry and self-consciousness. Because people know the spirit of music, even if they’re not musicians. Squeezing it off on stage is a greater travesty for the audience than going out of tune!
Sadly, it’s a common experience to finish playing and then feel like we could have given more.
Action Step: Take a moment to list all your reasons for NOT getting up on stage. Can you find a way to dismiss, debunk, or deal with them?
Share what you got, share it all the way, but first and foremost, find a way to get yourself up there and share it.
After all, 80% of success is just showing up!
Also see:
“Get Our Exclusive Training On How To Magnify Your Presence And Really Connect With Your Audience
PLUS Join The Secret Facebook Group Now”…
Aaron Bergbusch somehow just couldn't break through the barrier between himself and the audience and achieve the connection he wanted... Until the day came when he grabbed hold of the feeling at the core of the dream and learned how to bring it up on stage. Also known as the Northstar for Rockstars, Aaron is the creator of the Audience Connection Masterclass.
Email: Aaron@musiciansbreakthrough.com
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