0897 – Studio Excitement

2023.06.16 – 0897 – Studio Excitement

Excitement

Yes, finally, nervousness might be excitement in disguise[1]. Physiologically, they certainly have some of the same symptoms: knees shaking, heart racing, hands sweating, gut misbehaving… Nervousness is often seen as a negative experience to do with fear and potential survival, shying away from risks and limiting success. Excitement is a positive experience, in which we can take advantage of potential possibilities and opportunities by showing competence, enthusiasm and personality.

The difference is all in how you interpret the feelings. Swap nervousness in which you focus on what could go wrong, for excitement, and you’ll see what could go right and be advantageous.

Again, some or all of these situations are potentially serious and may need to be addressed appropriately, but, like a mis-interpretation of ‘excited’ for ‘nervous’, it’s often best to take a moment and think of what is really going on, and the name for it, as a first step.

Because they are broadly similar with common roots, for the purposes of this podcast/book, let’s look at them in the round, under the heading of ‘Mic Fright’. This in no way dismissive of the seriousness of these thoughts and feelings, for which a qualified medical professional should be consulted.

[1] At the Royal Northern College of Music, Professor Jane Ginsborg asks students to write down what it feels like to fall in love, then, much later, write down what it feels like to stand backstage moments before a performance. Love and fear seem like contrasting emotions, but the descriptions most students will write for each are eerily similar. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/08/how-classical-musicians-cope-with-performance-stress

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