Here it is . . . Courage is the essential resource all musicians need—if they want to bring their best work out into the world.
Courage is essential because we’re all up against a force that’s out to get us.
You may think of this force as your inner critic, your inner gremlins, or Radio K-F#cked. Steven Pressfield christened that force Resistance with a capitol “R.” And yes, we all have it.
It’s that diabolical voice telling you that you’re either not enough [take your pick: talented, smart, attractive, connected] or that you are too [whatever: emotional, old, fat, clueless]. Resistance has one goal: to stop you from moving forward, demoralizing you and extinguishing your life force. It’s doing its best to undermine your efforts—trying to keep you “safe” inside your comfort zone. But staying safe only serves to keep your life small.
The good news is there are Tools for dealing with Resistance.
Phil Stutz and Barry Michels are the two LA-based therapists who wrote the ground-breaking books The Tools and Coming Alive. They treat many of Hollywood’s A-list directors, actors, and writers, offering what are essentially tools for living, for getting past creative blocks.
These tools are dynamic, results-oriented visualizations that can shift your emotional state in real time so you can choose how to move forward—even in the face of fear and self-doubt.
These tools have been game-changers for me and my clients. Here’s Phil and Barry’s tool for harnessing courage (adapted for musicians) . . .
Cosmic Rage in 3 Steps
This tool can be used any time you feel persecuted by negative self-talk, perfectionism, procrastination, hiding, or any other form of Resistance. For the tool to be effective, though, you need to practice it regularly, so that when you’re under pressure you can use it to full advantage.
#1 Imagine whatever it is you are fearing
This might be an upcoming performance, audition, interview, or the start of an ambitious project. Feel the fear in your body, lean into whatever sensations and symptoms you usually experience (cold hands, dry mouth, upset stomach, racing thoughts).
Hear your Resistance in action—your usual negative self-talk messaging: “You’re not prepared,” “Who do you think you are?,” or “This is going to be a disaster.”
#2 Take the swirling, chaotic, dark feelings and messages and push them out in front of you . . .
so that you have some separation from them. Gather up your anger, your outrage at this force. It’s the sense of “I’m not gonna put up with this anymore.”
Choose a short, emphatic phrase and silently scream it at that menacing cloud in front of you, “BACK OFF” or “F#CK OFF”—whatever language works best for you
Note: remember, you’re not directing this rage at any person nor are you directing it at yourself. You are aiming rage at the force that’s trying to keep you from living a bigger life.
#3 Witness the force of your rage push that dark cloud away from you
—see it jump back toward the horizon. Feel the space you’ve created for yourself. Breathe into that open area. This is where you can be YOU. Therapists Phil Stutz and Barry Michels call this the “I am” space. It’s your sacred territory and it should give you a sense of uplift and freedom. It’s the feeling of not giving a damn about being judged. So then you can move forward into the performance, audition, or interview with the energy of “I’m here to give.”
Practice this tool and then immediately take action in the “I am” space. See how it can change your energy and your output in the practice room, rehearsal hall, composition studio, and in performances.
You may need to use this tool regularly to get more confident in channeling rage. It’s worth it because it’s the energy needed to push back on your Resistance. By using rage for positive action you are putting courage to work for your better future.
But if like me, you grew up in a family or culture where it wasn’t safe to express anger, you may need extra time getting used to the tool. It took me quite a while to finally understand that anger and rage have an important part to play in our wellbeing.
These “dangerous” emotions actually help us define and protect what matters most. They can help energize us to fight for what we believe in and stand for.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned about the essential resource of courage . . .
is that when I encounter fear I need to view it as an indicator pointing me towards what I most need to do and what will help me grow the most. It takes courage to take the necessary action.
If you’d like help getting more of your best work out into the world, if you’re curious about how coaching can help you reach your artistic goals, check the details HERE.
And if you’re ready to explore getting expert coaching, LET’S TALK.
There’s light at the end of the tunnel,
Dream Big, Plan Smart, Live Well
