Chopin had performance anxiety?

"I am not fitted to give concerts. The audience intimidates me. I feel choked by its breath, paralysed by its curious glances." - Chopin

Some of the greatest musicians in history have performance anxiety. Barbara Streisand gave up live performance for 27 years after she forgot the words to a song. Adele says, "I'm scared of audiences," and even once "escaped out the fire exit." Rihanna still gets "the jitters."

Like bubbles rising to the surface from a swimming pool, nervousness doesn't go away. There's a reason people shy away from public speaking, presentations, and voicing our opinions at meetings.

What happens if we shift our focus from ourselves to the people we are seeking to help? What happens if we ask ourselves can I help this audience with my topic? What's at stake for them if I don't help them? Do they need to hear this?

Thanks for caring!

With gratitude,

Anwell