Performance anxiety (stage fright) can happen when we are faced with performing in front of an audience, whether large or small—or even only a potential one, such as when we are being recorded by cameras or microphones. The idea of being witnessed—and judged—can trigger an intense mental and physiological response in even the most accomplished and practiced individuals. In fact, sometimes our past accomplishments make our performance anxiety worse, as we wonder and doubt if we’ll live up to expectations. This fear of public judgment is deep, primal, and universal, and there are many who have shared their experiences and strategies for facing it.
Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.
