Can We Train Ourselves to Worry Less About Others’ Opinions?

The Bulletproof Musician

I came across a study years ago which found that fear of negative evaluation was one of the key drivers of performance anxiety in musicians. Which of course makes perfect sense, as we're being evaluated all the time. Often, with meaningful consequences attached.
But that doesn't mean it's helpful - or very pleasant to experience either! So is there anything we can do to be less sensitive to what others around us might be thinking about us? At least in rehearsals, auditions, performances, or even dates for that matter, when it's way more useful for us to focus on the things that we can actually control?
A 2007 study provides some clues on how we could potentially reduce our stress levels, increase self-esteem, exude more confidence in public, and even perform more effectively, by working on a particular kind of focus in our daily lives.
Get all the nerdy details and learn how to start working on this particular kind of selective attention right here:
Can We Train Ourselves to Worry Less About Others’ Opinions?

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Have you been feeling stuck in the practice room, like your progress has plateaued? Or maybe performance anxiety continues to sneak up on you, even when you know you’ve prepared as much as you possibly could - for performances, auditions, or even lessons?
If you’ve been wanting to experience more satisfaction and progress in the practice room, and play more like yourself on stage, I’ll be teaching a live online, 4-week class addressing these frustrating - but solvable - challenges starting February 2, 2025.
In this class, we’ll explore four key skill areas—effective practice, managing anxiety, enhancing focus, and building confidence. Through weekly Zoom sessions, we’ll work on practical, research-based exercises as a group. And to help these skills become lasting habits, you’ll get bite-sized practice challenges to gently weave into your daily routine, supported by a global community of practice buddies.
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Over 2000 musicians, educators, and learners of all ages have already gone through the course. You can read their stories and sign up to join Cohort 21 at: bulletproofmusician.com/essentials