Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Are You Good Enough?


One of my singers auditioned for The Voice last week, and did an amazing job. She sang her heart out and felt fantastic about herself and her performance, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

Before she went, however, she was filled with doubt and emailed to ask whether she should go through with it. Was she good enough? Was she better than those who’ve been on the show? Was it all worth it? What if she didn’t make it; what if she ‘failed’? 

We all ask these questions of ourselves… are we worthy?  Will we hit the mark we’ve been aiming for?  Should we bother? 

Here’s what I wrote back to Sabrina. And I hope it will help you as much as it encouraged her to give up the doubt and hop on the plane!
                                                                                                                                
~~~~~

Sabrina, do you have any idea how hard you’ve worked and how far you’ve come?  How incredible you sound and how much you’ve gained as a singer and an artist and a performer these past few months?  I couldn't be more thrilled for or proud of you.

We can always find people we think are better than us. Even the greatest singers in the world can find someone against whom they don’t think they compare. Should they then stop singing?  Is that the point… to be ‘the best’?  What does that even mean!? 

You have to ask yourself… why am I auditioning, and more… why do I sing?  Why did you make your CD?  Why are you going to Nashville to audition for The Voice?  Is it to be ‘the best’ or ‘to win’?  If so, you might find yourself frustrated even if you succeed, because these are standards against which none of us can ever measure up.

If, on the other hand, you’re auditioning– and singing and making music in general– because you want to challenge yourself to be your best, then not only will you enjoy the ride, but you'll continue to grow, including beyond where you once thought possible. And if you frame winning as accomplishing your goals and dreams with grace, persistence, and an open mind and humble heart, you will always be successful.  

When you doubt yourself– and we all do from time to time– go ahead and listen to ‘that voice’. Sometimes it has wisdom for us… have we practiced enough? Are we working hard enough, caring for ourselves enough, and challenging ourselves in the right ways? Take that wisdom in and apply it, and then get back to getting ready for a wonderful adventure, both in terms of this audition and all along your musical journey!




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