How to Stop Being Hard on Yourself
It’s an unfortunate habit of dancers to constantly be hard on themselves- why is that?
Well, it’s important to recognize being harsh on yourself as a sign of passion and commitment- to want to achieve a level of perfectionism (that unfortunately, one will never attain) and greatness, that somehow turns into negativity that eats out at dancers on a regular basis. Being hard on one’s self is also just a common trait for everyone- some more than others. After all, you are your worst critic. Especially, as a performer, where beyond expressing yourself, there’s this pressure to please or entertain others with your abilities and movement. However, there are strategies to manage this as a performer-
Watch dance class videos the next day
There’s this pressure among dancers, today, to post just about every dance video from every class, freestyle session, private, convention, competition . . . the list goes on. There’s issues with that, but the main issue stems from the immediateness of this. Why do you have to post right after class? Why do you need to critique yourself right after when you’re tired and sweaty and your mind is racing? Change takes time, and so does a change of perspective. By watching your dance videos immediately, you will pick out so many ‘mistakes’ and be harsher on yourself. So, wait a few hours or the next day before reviewing any dance videos, to get an accurate and full picture. This game changing habit is also referenced on Barre Chat, a dance podcast.
2. Ask why?
Why are you being hard on yourself? Ever asked yourself that question? Highly doubtable. When you have a second (amidst this busy dance life that we all happen to live), really sit down and ask why are you so hard on yourself. Why are you having so many breakdowns before breakthroughs? What seems to be the issue or what perceptions must change? Think about it then create a course of action, utilizing the Habit Tracker or Goal Growth Guide from DanceVibes.
3. Let it out
This is always an available option when you’re feeling down- just let it out! This is much more therapeutic than bottling it in or punching a pillow and unleashing some completely preventable anger out into the world. Whether it’s crying, yapping and venting, or just zoning out, do what you need to do to get to where you need to be.
4. You never have to apologize for yourself
That’s just a simple truth! You never have to apologize for needing to take a moment, for being super full out or super internal with your movement, or for your personality. You are who you are and need to be. Unless you aren’t fully tapping into that, you never need to apologize for yourself.
How to act on this:
Start reviewing dance videos the day after, to get a better view of your movement and growth
Download the Habit Tracker or Goal Growth Guide from DanceVibes to better your mindset and perception of yourself as a dancer.
Take breaks whenever you find yourself being very stressed or harsh on yourself when dancing
Never apologize for yourself, because you never have to!