shutterstock_369425990

Believe me when I say I know all about nervous jitters. I’ve been there with both feet. I always get really nervous just before a performance. My heart beats a mile a minute. Catching my breath is nearly impossible, and the butterflies in my stomach flap around like crazy.

And crazy is exactly what it feels like. Performing is fun. So, why do I get so nervous? In my defence, I’m not the only one. Nearly everybody gets stage fright every once in a while.

Nervous jitters before a DJing gig is normal. A lot of DJs will tell me that it’s time to hang it up if your nerves don’t act up even a little before a gig. In other words, the more nervous you are, the more you care. Well, I’m not sure I really buy that argument. But, it’ll make me feel better in the meantime.

What causes that anxiety anyway? Unless you’re staring down the barrel of your first gig, what is it that makes that feeling return again and again?

Apparently, there are some common explanations that most people can relate to. See if any of these reasons make sense for you. Despite their best efforts, many people suffer from the fraud syndrome. You know the one. You’re a great DJ, but there’s a seed of a thought in your brain telling you that you don’t deserve to be in that DJ booth. If you’re like me (and I really hope you’re not!), you’re a bit of a perfectionist (ok, a lot). My nervous jitters often come from thinking that my performance isn’t going to be as perfect as I want it to be.

Stage fright feels awful. No doubt about that. But, look at the bright side. We’re creatives! Creative people can be among the least self-confident because we invest so much of ourselves in what we do. We’re always pushing boundaries and coming up against resistance and doubt. No wonder we can be sensitive!

Just one word of advice from someone who’s been there. Don’t change your equipment or try something new at a gig. Always practice first. Remember, alcohol might seem like a good idea in the moment. But, it’s not. Celebrate after your set is done.

Need more? Here are 12 tips to help you shake those jitters:

  • Call it by a different name. You’re not nervous because playing for an audience feels threatening and scary. You’re actually excited about a challenge.
  • Feeling nervous is not a weakness. It keeps you alert and on your toes.
  • Just keep going. No one will notice your mistakes.
  • It happens to everyone. Practice until perfect, but expect that something will go wrong.
  • Focus on how good you really are. You got the job, didn’t you? So, you really do know what you’re doing, and it’s ok to make a mistake.
  • Breathe!
  • Check out the venue before you play. Get to know the audience. Ask the manager for tips.
  • Play a lot of gigs. Experience will help calm you down.
  • Rely on friends. Invite your buddies to your gigs so you can focus on a few familiar faces until you’re feeling good.
  • Find your happy place. You love to DJ, and you’re good at it. So, you’re sure to be fine.
  • Prepare for the worst. Keep a USB containing your set list and bring along another device, like an iPad, just in case your worst case scenario comes about.
  • Focus your mind not just on your job, but also on a face. Holding the face of a loved one in your mind when you’re nervous will help calm you.

Everyone’s experienced nervous jitters. Tell us how you deal with them.