I love the philosophy and practice of avoiding focusing on mistakes immediately following a performance.
As I told my group last night, the mistakes will still be there next week, when we can address them. In the short term, it’s much better to focus on the positives, because that will give you the momentum to move forward.
How do I create localized positivity following a performance?
- I say the positive things out loud.
- I don’t listen/watch right away.
- I accept compliments for the performance without deflecting.
- I celebrate.
The more we can carry the positives of a performance around, the more we are able to get back into the practice room and keep getting better. Since I’ve never given a perfect performance, and I never expect I will, this motivation is a necessary constant.
Will we talk about room for improvement? Certainly. Yes. But immediately after a performance, nothing but the good.
Call it localized positivity.