Introduction
The life of a professional performer is full of excitement, passion, and hard work. However, along with the glamour of the stage comes the undeniable reality of setbacks, rejections, and challenges. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of resilience in the world of professional performing and share strategies to develop mental fortitude and bounce back from obstacles with grace.
The Show Must Go On: Resilience in the Performing Arts
Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and grow from adversity. In the competitive and often unpredictable world of performing arts, cultivating resilience is essential to maintain mental well-being and continue pursuing one's passion (Sarkar et al., 2015).
Developing Resilience: Strategies for Performers
Embrace a growth mindset: View setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow rather than failures. By adopting a growth mindset, performers can reframe challenges as stepping stones towards success (Dweck, 2006).
Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and colleagues who understand the demands of your career and can provide encouragement during tough times.
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding when facing setbacks. Remember that everyone experiences challenges, and it's okay to feel disappointed or upset (Neff, 2011).
Set realistic goals: Focus on attainable, incremental goals that align with your values and passions. This approach helps build confidence and motivation while preventing burnout.
Engage in self-care: Prioritize physical, emotional, and mental well-being by regularly participating in activities that promote relaxation, self-reflection, and personal growth.
Therapeutic Support: Harnessing the Power of Resilience
Working with a psychologist who specializes in resilience training can be invaluable for performers seeking to strengthen their mental fortitude. By employing evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), therapists can help performers identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and build emotional resilience (Hofmann et al., 2012; A-Tjak et al., 2015).
Conclusion
Resilience is a key ingredient to a successful and fulfilling career in the performing arts. By embracing a growth mindset, building a strong support network, practicing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, and engaging in self-care, performers can navigate the ups and downs of their profession with confidence. With the guidance of a skilled therapist, professional performers can develop the resilience needed to face challenges head-on and keep the curtain rising on their dreams.
References:
A-Tjak, J. G., Davis, M. L., Morina, N., Powers, M. B., Smits, J. A., & Emmelkamp, P. M. (2015). A meta-analysis of the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy for clinically relevant mental and physical health problems. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 84(1), 30-36.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
Neff, K. (2011). Self-compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself. HarperCollins.
Sarkar, M., Fletcher, D., & Brown, D.J. (2015). Developing resilience through psychological preparation, training and support. In D. Hackfort & R. J. Schinke (Eds.), International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) position stand: Athletes' mental health, performance, and development (pp. 153-166). International Society of Sport Psychology.