Why You Need To Prepare For “The Haters”
Have you ever watched a star athlete perform on tv or in an arena as the crowd booed incessantly? Ever wondered what your threshold for being disliked is? Most of us aren't performing in massive arenas but many people (between the ages of say 13 and 60) spend a fair amount of time on social media these days accumulating likes for their various interests and accomplishments - from graduations to awards to lunches with friends. Although it's nice to imagine that this isn’t affecting us, it’s been scientifically proven that each time we see an additional like, it boosts dopamine, that addictive happy chemical, in our brain and body. And that’s just social media. We’re not even talking about in-person likes. So what’s your stamina for “the haters” like?
I don’t know about you but I generally don’t enjoy or look forward to other people disliking me. However, I recently watched a film that made me re-consider one’s tolerance for outside criticism in relation to artistic success.
When I was a child admiring my favorite music artists it never occurred to me that they were enduring a large amount of negative onlookers along with their swooning fans. But the truth is if you want to be seen and heard, then you’re going to attract more like-minded audience members as well as folks who don’t appreciate what you do.
I spend so much time encouraging my students to give themselves a break because we all know that WE are usually our biggest critics, but there are outside critics as well. So it’s good to know that as you are growing an artistic project, that you may have a few trolls groaning under the bridge too.
With the launch of my first book and stepping back into performing with a new vigor, I thought I’d share some of what’s been coming to me, so that neither of us get stopped on the creative journey.
If you haven’t purchased a copy of Lost Found: Finding The Power In Your Voice, you can grab one here. And if you’re wanting support on YOUR voice journey, reach out to schedule a free phone consultation so we can discuss where you want your voice to take you next:)
Happy Travels!