By Carol Kirkpatrick, author of ARIA READY, The Business of Singing
“It is only necessary to have courage, for strength without self-confidence is useless.” Casanova
Here is a great story my friend Gayletha Nichols sent to me a while back. I want to share it now with you as you get ready for your summer programs, wherever and whatever they are. It is so apropos at this time of year, so take it with you as you venture out and put to use all the new skills and tools you have learned this past year.
Clint Hurdle, manager of the Pittsburg Pirates, was well known for sending from his Smartphone, “Thought of The Day”, to his players. Here is one he sent when he realized they would be playing a particularly powerful team that was seemingly messing with his team’s minds before an important game:
Tim Wrightman, a former All-American UCLA football player, tells a story about how, as a rookie lineman in the National Football League, he was up against the legendary pass rusher Lawrence Taylor. Taylor was not only physically powerful and uncommonly quick, but a master at verbal intimidation. Looking Tim in the eye, [Taylor] said, “Sonny, get ready. I’m going left and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Wrightman coolly responded, “Sir, is that your left or mine?” The question froze Taylor long enough to allow Wrightman to throw a perfect block on him.
It’s amazing what we can accomplish if we refuse to be afraid. Fear — whether it’s of pain, failure or rejection–– is a toxic emotion that creates monsters in our mind that consume self-confidence and intimidate us from doing our best or sometimes even trying at all. So, step up your game and stick to it as you venture out into the world. Make a positive difference today.
Avanti!!!
Email Carol at Carol@ariaready.net.
Since retiring from the stage, Carol Kirkpatrick continues to be in demand as a voice teacher, clinician, and adjudicator of competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Combining her knowledge of performance, business, and interpersonal skills, she has written the second edition of her highly regarded book, Aria Ready: The Business of Singing, a step-by-step career guide for singers and teachers of singing. Aria Ready has been used by universities, music conservatories and summer and apprentice programs throughout the world as a curriculum for teaching Ms. Kirkpatrick’s process of career development, making her “the” expert in this area. She lives in Denver, Colorado.
