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Nerves are totally normal before a major work event. Perhaps you’re about to be facilitating a big meeting, speaking on a panel, or interviewing an authority if your field. Regardless of what makes you nervous, I have a few tried and true tips on how to use memories to calm those nerves.
- First, remind yourself of 2-3 times when you were a rockstar. I mean if you have past experience doing what you’re about to do—speaking on a panel at a major conference, or running a meeting—call up memories of how awesome you were in those moments. Maybe your last panel was well attended and the audience engaged in a meaningful question and answer session afterwards. Or maybe you once ran a meeting very efficiently—checking people who attempted to hijack it and making sure all points were covered. If you haven’t done the thing that is making you nervous before, think of other general times when you made a slam dunk professionally. Hang out with these memories for a bit. Go through the highs of those experiences and focus on what you know: you are completely capable of doing this next big thing because you have all the skills and experience you need.
- Second, recall compliments that others have given you about your skills, talents and abilities. Think about the most meaningful words of encouragement that a mentor or supervisor has given you. If someone once told you that you command a room very well, focus on that. Or if you want to recall some general words of support, like when your college advisor told you that you have a gift for performing under pressure, thinking of that that can work too. What’s important here is to recall the confidence these expressions instilled in you then, and to keep that same confidence front and center as you go into your next big thing.
How do you calm your nerves before a big work event? Share you tips with us in the comments below.