So, Now What?!
Isn't that an exciting question?!
Remember your "vision statement"? I'm going to be alluding to that a lot, so hold it close! I've found that if I'm able to implement my "vision statement" into my day to day life, it makes implementing it on stage easy. NOTE: You're going to find that vision statements like "To show people how great I am." with qualifiers like "...because I'm awesome!" won't take you very far. Why? Well, let's put it into a different context.
Tech support:
Client: My computer is broken.
You: You're in luck! I just so happen to be the best!
Client: Alright! How do I get my computer to work?
You: I've fixed lots of computers! Yours isn't the first! Let me tell you about the first computer I ever fixed, it only took me an hour. Since then, my ability to fix computers has only improved. Whether it's just a matter of turning it on and off, reprogramming a corrupt bios, reinstalling the operating system, installing new software, uninstalling old software...
Client: Great... *getting agitated* but I need you to fix my computer...
You: There was this time when my friend's computer was running so slow that I got deep into the BIOS and adjusted the clock. Now, it heats up a little bit if he's playing games or running intense programs, but it runs SOOOO fast! He's so lucky to have a friend like me...
Client: *Click*
You: Gees, what a jerk. Do they even know who they were talking to? Psssh.
If you start implementing your vision statements into real-life, it'll allow you opportunities to practice. It'll also allow you to see if your vision statement can hold water in a regular social situation. If it doesn't, it's always okay to go back and adjust your vision statement!
On another note, it's also okay to fail. I'll talk about failure a LOT in this blog. It's okay to fail as long as you're learning something from it.
Here's a very quick example: I succeed in showing people that I see, love, and enjoy them in real life by being on time to things. The first part of my vision statement is "To see people, to love people, and to enjoy people."
Unfortunately, the only thing I'm ever religiously on time for is work.
That means I've got a personal challenge to take on because I KNOW that people feel seen, loved, and enjoyed when I'm on time -but I'm fighting against myself when I'm late to things -and failing at making my vision statement come to full fruition day to day. It's a missed opportunity to practice!
It all comes down to this: If you want to be a completely transparent performer -then you need to find ways to practice being onstage without being onstage.
One step at a time!
Until next time,
-T.