|
|
Ballroom Dance Resource - Articles on Dancing Negative thinking and changing our thought patterns for success, not only in ballroom dancing but in other aspects of life.~ by Gavin Freeman www.danceart.com What Does Failing Mean? (UGH! I am NOT my failures) (thanks to Gavin Freeman and http://www.danceart.com) Failure can often be seen by a performer as an indication of their ability. "If I can't get this move right, I must not be a good dancer" or "I wasn't picked for a particular role in a performance, therefore I am not good enough to be a dancer" are examples of this thinking. To these people the concept of 'failing' is seen as a negative and therefore attracts other, more damaging thoughts (e.g., I am not a good dancer / student / friend). Over a period of time, if you had these thoughts rolling around in your head, you would likely accept the thoughts and eventually start acting to make them come true (i.e., start dancing poorly). Psychologists would agree that our thoughts and our behaviors are in some way linked. So it is important to view failure not as a negative indication of our performing ability, but rather a positive indication of what is needed to succeed in the future. Ready, Set, Motivate! The way we perceive events will also affect our levels of motivation. It would seem obvious that if we are constantly receiving negative reinforcement, we would refrain from continuing that behavior. And vice versa -- if we receive positive reinforcement we will attempt to continue that behavior. What is the driving force behind your motivation? Are you motivated to succeed or motivated to avoid failure? Dancers who are motivated to succeed will see failing as merely another stepping stone to success. Dancers who are motivated to avoid failure, ultimately still want to succeed, but place the majority of their thoughts on how their failures will be negatively evaluated by themselves and significant others. These people will either strive to be in situations where they are guaranteed success, or where they are assured of failure. In both cases there is no possibility of positively evaluating their failure. I believe the concept of failure and success has been over emphasized in our society, by everything from the media, to sport, to recognition at school for excellent performances. The point that is pushed is that success is desired and failure is seen as a sign of weakness. I would disagree. Failure can be an important catalyst to success. One only has to look at any successful person and they will have a story about how they have at some stage of their life failed. This concept is highlighted in a recent Michael Jordan commercial, in which he describes all the failures he has had, which have lead to his success. What can you do? Pick yourself up, learn from the errors, and use them to firmly step up to your next level, improving future performances. Remember there will always be another show. |
|
|
|