Performance Planning

We all know the feeling of sickness in our
stomach before an important presentation or performance.
We have all
experienced the sweaty palms, the raised heart rate, and the sense
of agitation that we feel as these events approach.
We have probably
all also experienced how much worse this becomes when things go
wrong in the run up to an event.
This article helps you deal with this by helping you to prepare well
for future performances.
The Thought Awareness, Rational Thinking and Positive Thinking technique that we look at later may be enough to help you manage the
fears, anxieties and negative thoughts that may arise in a small
performance.
For larger events, it is worth preparing a Performance Plan. This is
a pre-prepared plan that helps you to deal effectively with any
problems or distractions that may occur, and perform in a positive
and focused frame of mind.
Using the Tool
To prepare your Performance Plan, begin by making a list all of the
steps that you need to do from getting prepared for a performance
through to its conclusion.
Start far enough in advance to sort out any equipment problems. List
all of the physical and mental steps that you need to take to:

Prepare and check your equipment, and repair or replace it where it
does not work.
Make travel arrangements.
Pack your equipment and luggage.
Travel to the site of your performance.
Set up equipment.
Wait and prepare for your performance.
Deliver your performance.

Next, work through each of these steps. Think though:

Everything that could reasonably go wrong at each step with
equipment and arrangements.
Any distractions and negative thinking that could undermine your
confidence or stop you having a positive, focused frame of mind at
the start of and during your performance.

Work through all of the things that could go wrong. Look at the
likelihood of the problem occurring. Many of the things you have
listed may be extremely unlikely. Where appropriate, strike these
out and ignore them from your planning.

Look at each of the remaining contingencies. These will fall into
three categories:

Things you can eliminate by appropriate preparation, including
making back-up arrangements and acquiring appropriate additional or
spare equipment.
Things you can manage by avoiding unnecessary risk.
Things you can manage with a pre-prepared action or with an
appropriate stress management technique.

For example, if you are depending on using a data projector for a
presentation, you can arrange for a back up projector to be
available, purchase a replacement bulb, and/or print off paper
copies of the presentation in case all else fails. You can leave
earlier than strictly necessary so that you have time for serious
travel delays. You can also think through appropriate alternatives
if your travel plans are disrupted. If you are forced to wait before
your event in an uncomfortable or unsuitably distracting place,
prepare the relaxation techniques you can use to keep a calm,
positive frame of mind. Research all of the information you will
need to take the appropriate actions quickly, and ensure that you
have the appropriate resources available.

Also, prepare the positive thinking you will use to counter fears
and negative thoughts both before the event and during it. Use
stress anticipation skills to ensure that you are properly prepared
to manage stress. Then use thought awareness, rational thinking and
positive thinking skills to prepare the positive thoughts that you
will use to protect and build your confidence.

Write your plan down on paper in a form that is easy to read and
easy to refer to. Keep it with you as you prepare for, and deliver,
your performance. Refer to it whenever you need it in the time
leading up to the event, and during it.

Summary
Performance Plans help you to prepare for an important performance.
They bring together practical contingency planning with mental
preparation to help you prepare for situations and eventualities
that may realistically occur.
This gives you the confidence that comes from knowing you are as
well prepared for an event as is practically possible to be. It also
helps you to avoid the unpleasant stresses that come from poor
preparation, meaning that you can deliver your performance in a
relaxed, positive and focused frame of mind, whatever problems or
upsets may have occurred.

Warning: Stress can cause severe health problems and, in extreme
cases, can cause death. While these stress management techniques
have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing stress, they
are for guidance only, and readers should take the advice of
suitably qualified health professionals if they have any concerns
over stress-related illnesses or if stress is causing significant or
persistent unhappiness. Health professionals should also be
consulted before any major change in diet or levels of exercise.