There is a big difference between succeeding at all costs and not bothering to make an effort. Neither brings true satisfaction.
The secret is to pitch somewhere in between: to take the work seriously, but to not lose sight of how relatively unimportant it is compared with what else is going on in the world.
If you make something too important it can become inhibiting. By raising the stakes too high, you can become paralysed. Will you achieve what you intended? Will people approve of what you managed to do? How many people will you let down if you fail?
All these thoughts will stop you from getting on with the job at hand.
On the other hand, not bothering or putting very little effort in, will bring no rewards. It might be the easy, lazy way out, but you will never enjoy the satisfaction of achieving something.
You might decide that your next concert or rehearsal is going to be the best ever. Or your choir is going to get first place in that competition. Or you’re going to sing better than anyone has ever heard you sing. But then you’re not only heading for disappointment, but there’s a good chance that you will feel so much pressure that you won’t be able to perform to your best ability.
You need to find a way of realising that the event is important, but to not let it get out of proportion. Can you hold on to the relaxed, creative state that you are in when you’re singing a well-known song with your pals?
The secret is to trust the process and to not focus on the goal.
No matter how high your aim is, you need to trust that the process you’ve used up until now is going to get you there.
other posts
You might find these older posts of interest.
Don’t chase fame – singing is reward enough in itself
Be the best singer you can, but don’t forget there’s more to life
By letting go of ‘perfect’ you open yourself up to perfection
Trust me – you know it makes sense
Chris Rowbury
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