Too many performers hang back, bound by fear. We worry about what others think, what people say about our work, and how to avoid both negative words from others and the thoughts that invade our own minds. We perform what we’re told to, believing we’re “too busy” projects that we’re personally excited about. Of course, the external is completely beyond our control, and this is nothing new. Aristotle figured this out thousands of years ago. Unless you want to be and do nada, get over it. (But he was more eloquent about it, of course.)
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”
— Aristotle
On Becoming Fearless… in Love, Work and Life
by Arianna Huffington
Jump in. In stories drawn from her own experiences and from the lives of other women, Huffington points toward the moments of extraordinary strength, courage, and resilience that result from confronting and overcoming fear. And she outlines the steps anyone can take to conquer fear. Her book shows us how to become bold from the inside out–from feeling comfortable in our own skin to getting what we want in love and at work to changing the world.
About $11 (Paperback) or $10 (Kindle) from Amazon — Buy now
Resilience: Facing Down Rejection and Criticism on the Road to Success
by Mark McGuinness
If you’re an artist of any kind your work will be rejected by editors, curators and other gatekeepers. And each time you put it in front of the public, you expose yourself to criticism. This is not a theoretical book – it’s packed with practical tips and techniques you can apply to your own challenges right away. Resilience will take you a few hours to read; its lessons will help you for the rest of your life.
About $13 (Paperback) or $8 (Kindle) from Amazon — Buy now
This is part of a weekly inspirational series on the Singerpreneur blog and social media for Lauri’s List. The quotes are also eventually archived on Facebook and Pearltrees.
