Don't let the "How?" Monster crash the party

It has often been said that thoughts, perfectionism and fear are the enemies of action. How many times have you caught yourself thinking "I'm going to do this" or "I would really love to do that"? It's something we all face at different points in life - the want, desire, and yes, your capability to achieve something are all already there - so what is actually stopping you? There's just something holding you back. It could be making time in your busy schedule, it could be the fear of failure or it could be an awkward feeling of "imposter syndrome". Today you can change it all by taking action towards your goal so read on to discover more.

My own reminder

It's well known that I love a quote so I choose to wake up each day to a rustic, wooden framed sign which has sat next to my bed for at least 7 years. It reads "Some people WANT it to happen, some WISH it would happen, others MAKE it happen". It's my daily reminder that we all have goals, some short term and some for further in the future but success only comes if I show up and take daily action towards the things I want.

Reality check

I help people to discover more options, freedom and choices with their voice. Our voice is so linked to our identity. Whether we're a singer, an actor, a speaker, a teacher, a coach, a mother, a father, a son, daughter, brother, sister; it's how we communicate and share our story with the world. I do this with a massive sense of pride when I see someone bask in the glory of smashing a personal success. Why am I telling you this? Well, along the road there will more than likely be times when you doubt yourself, or times when someone says something that you take to heart, or you just find yourself in a bit of a glum slum... but remember the sign - if you stay true to your 'why' and you don't just want and wish it to happen, you can get back on track with what you do best. The reality is that other people are probably seeing your brilliance, even if you've gone for some well-needed time out.

Voice Goals

The last few months have been hard. Everyone I know is, in some way at least, feeling the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. For many people it has affected their income, for my clients in pop and theatre, it has affected their ability to work and in turn it has affected people's self-confidence, vocal stamina and artistry. That's tough. There are positives too, though. I've enjoyed spending more time talking about clients' wellbeing, different ways people are diversifying what they're doing and I've taken on clients from across the whole world with the magic of online meetings. I've connected with people I've always admired and I've reconnected with friends I hadn't spoken to for too long.

I love how global my coaching has become. Last week, I worked with a client in New York, a client in Amsterdam and a client in Barcelona - all in one morning!

What do you want from your voice at the moment?

Top Tips

1. When time is the issue - tasks have a habit of completely filling the time you give them. What used to take me a day, I can now complete in an hour. Carve out pockets of super-focused productivity. If you're working towards a vocal goal, little and often will, in my experience, always outweigh one mega-slog of last minute practice before your next lesson, audition or gig! When you redefine what time means to you and how you use it, others around you will also see the change.

2. If fear of failure makes you freeze -

   1. Remember past success and achievements. That's you, you did that!

   2. Ask a friend or loved one if someone with your desire, passion and determination deserves success? Bonus feature: they'll support you all the way.

   3. Don't let the "How?" Monster crash the party - focus on what, when and why. THAT'S the goal. "How?" will go with the flow and as long as you have the what, when and why clear, "how" will work itself out.

   4. What's the worst that can happen?

3. The Awkward Imposter - YOU INSPIRE SOMEONE. There, I said it! You may worry that you look up to people and don't see yourself as their equal - but those people you respect and who inspire you, have their own idols! It's almost like the great Circle of Life! Imposter syndrome pops up like an unwelcome wasp at the BBQ and it can be completely demoralising; the biggest roadblock to the growth and success you deserve. Recognising when it appears can be the biggest step in removing the power you associate with it.

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Take Action

I've started a private Facebook group containing a brilliant community of people like you who are seeking support in turning their goals into reality. With tips, vocal insights and coaching, you could be further down the road to your own goals by this time next week. Just message me or get in touch through www.jameswilliamsvoice.com to be added for free!

Even the biggest journeys begin with one step...

Told you: I LOVE a quote!

Happy Voicing!