25 Ways to Mentally Prepare for Your Event

Anticipating your next gig can sometimes be a bit overwhelming.  Here are 25 tips that may help calm your nerves and point you in the right direction...

1. Keep a journal by your side - Write down ideas that pop into your head, or keep a tally of great website resources you see throughout the day.  Regard your journal as a great resource.​
2. Get inspired - Expose yourself to what inspires you. Is it art, music, nature, or something exhilarating like climbing Mount Rainier?  
3. Don’t take things too seriously - Life is a journey, embrace difficult situations with humor. 
4. Think positive before sleep - Positive thinking will help you wake up in a good mood.
5. Calm down A calm mind makes better decisions.
6. Take a day trip into the woods - Go deep into the woods to find solitude and clarity.  You will be amazed at your heightened ability to create new ideas.
7. Keep in touch with friends - Connect with your closest friends. Give them a call, Skype, or get together for lunch.
8. Have an open mind - Be open to opinions and values that are different than yours.  You don’t need to agree, but you may learn something new.   
9. Be positive - It is much more fun to be positive than negative.
10. Be courteous and kind - Spread the good karma.
11. Find your creative self - Whatever it may be, celebrate what you are good at and find the time to dive in. 
12. Keep learning - It’s a good day when you learn something new. 
13. Laugh out loud - Giggle, belly laugh or snort, whatever floats your boat you’ll enjoy it and others will too!
14. Take more photos - Take photos often and get your favorites printed.
15. Be passionate - Incorporate what you enjoy the most into your daily work, family, and hobbies.  Being passionate makes life’s routines pleasurable.
16. Make daily lists - Lists are great for getting organized, but be realistic.  Categorize your daily list as A (priority), B (less important), and C (can put it off for later). 
17. Get it done now - Seize the moment!  Accomplish your goals today, and they will be in play tomorrow.
18. Eat healthy - Go low on the carbs and sugar, and you’ll feel much better.
19. Listen - Don’t just pretend to engage, really listen to people.  Those day-dreaming eyes are a dead giveaway! 
20. Go for a walk every day - Clear your mind and get some fresh air.  Even a five-minute walk will do you right.
21. Stretch often - On the hour, every hour. 
22. Read - Get away from the computer screen and read a book, magazine, or newspaper.
23. Go to a local tourist attraction - We tend to only bring guests to really cool places. How about going with your family or favorite friend.
24. Smile - Smiles are charming.
25. Surround yourself with positive thinking people - Loose the negative and seek out people that are joyful to be around. 

​My personal top three are: #6. Take a day trip into the woods;  #9. Be positive;  and #13. Laugh out loud. What are yours?

Author:  Suzy, violinist and founder of Vogue Violin www.vogueviolin.com