Overcoming insecurity!
Insecurity can be overcome!
“All singers face insecurity at one point or another. Even the most seasoned performers have dealt with feeling insecure of themselves. For some, it’s a paralyzing emotion that stops them in their tracks and causes them to not pursue their dream of performing. For others, insecurity is fuel to try harder, work longer, sacrifice more to achieve a level of confidence in their performance.”
Can insecurity be avoided?
Yes and No! Insecurity will show up in your life! You can’t predict when it comes but usually it sneaks up on you when you’re supposed to perform or showcase yourself in any kind of way. (i.e. public speaking, competing, creating something). You begin to question your own ability and you compare yourself with others who are more successful. These negative thoughts feed your insecurity even further and causes it to defeat your confidence.
Insecurity is a natural part of our humanity. It comes from our wanting to be loved and accepted. It stems from fear of rejection and abandonment. When you understand that insecurity is a natural part of being human and desiring love, you can put it in its rightful place. It’s natural to desire love acceptance but when that feels threatened, it creates this insecure emotion causing us to retreat and hide so that we avoid being rejected.
For singers/performers, insecurity is a terrible curse when you’re constantly comparing yourself to better singers, more successful artists. Comparison can literally choke your potential. However, if you accept that your artistry is not for everyone and that your art is meant for a distinct audience, then you will diffuse the insecurity that tries to attach itself to you. Your music, your artistic ability is not for everyone but there are fans who are going to absolutely love you. They are the ones you need to strive for!
Can I get rid of insecurity?
The greatest power to have when facing self doubt is the power to believe in yourself”
YES!!!! Absolutely, you can get rid of it!!! It’s easier said than done but you can totally master insecurity - meaning don’t let “it” master you; you master “it.” Like I said, insecurity is going to show up in your life when you’re about to do something great, important or beyond your comfort zone. Recognize that it will sneak up; but when it does, here are a few things I’ve had to work on all my life to help me conquer it and I know it will help you too!
Acknowledge Your Insecurity! Don’t lie to yourself and pretend that insecurity is not the issue that is preventing you from performing! Some artists will turn down an opportunity and use a lame excuse to get out of doing that great thing they’re supposed to do. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself; ‘am I scared to do this?’ ‘do I feel like I don’t have what it takes to perform/sing/create?’ ‘do I believe somebody else can do this better'?” ‘what’s stopping me from trying?’ Once you acknowledge that insecurity is the culprit behind your uneasiness and comfortability to say yes to an opportunity, decide to change your mind!
Change Your Mind! You can choose to keep thinking negatively about yourself or you can choose to take control of negative thoughts! Decide that you will not allow insecurity to stop you from trying! The greatest power to have when facing self doubt is the power to believe in yourself! Believe that you have everything inside of you to succeed! Believe you were created with greatness and you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to do!
Encourage Yourself! When someone comes to you with a problem, what do you do? Do you tell them they should give up hope and quit? No, you do the opposite, you tell them to cheer up, think positive, everything is going to work itself out! If you do that for your friends and loved ones, then you MUST do it for yourself!!! You need to encourage yourself! Lift yourself UP! Think good thoughts of yourself! Look in the mirror and say:
“Yes, I am made for this!”
“This opportunity was given to me because I have what it takes!”
“I am unique and there is no one else quite like me, people will love what I bring to the table.”
"I may not know exactly how to do this, but I will do everything I can to learn and I will work hard.”
Defeat Insecurity with Action!
Don’t allow insecurity to stop you from doing what you love, ever again! Whatever it is that makes you feel insecure, approach it with a “can-do” attitude! Take a hold of your strengths and move forward to achieve that thing you’re insecure about. You’ll feel sooo relieved and proud when you accomplish it! All it takes is action and willingness to try, even if it scares you!
I really do send my best wishes to you on defeating your own insecurities! Believe me, I understand how it feels to be insecure but I also know the joy of conquering it with a can-do attitude! You will too!
Feel free to email me at info@2ndgenmusic.com to let me know your triumphs! I would love to know your success stories!
Next time, you’re tempted to feel insecure, listen to this wonderful and encouraging song written by Colbie Caillat - “Try”!
Keep being amazing,
MRJ xoxoxo