When Passion Becomes a Source of Stress: A Reality for Performing Artists.
For many performers, creativity is a way of life – a passion that fuels their dreams, drives their ambitions and is the heartbeat of every performing artist. Whether it’s the thrill of stepping onto a stage, the euphoria of nailing a difficult piece, or the satisfaction of moving an audience, passion fuels the pursuit of excellence. However, this very passion can sometimes transform into a source of stress, pressure, and burnout. Often behind the dazzling performances and remarkable achievements lies a hidden reality: the immense pressure, emotional toll, and, at times, even trauma that can come with striving for excellence in highly competitive industries. It saddens me to see how many wonderful creative people suffer in silence. Creativity, however, can also be employed in service of regaining balance and wellbeing and this is my big passion in my own (creative) therapeutic practice.
So, let’s look at the key issues.
The Double-Edged Sword of Passion
For many performers, their craft is not just a job but a calling, a way of life, inseparable from their identity. They dedicate years to refining their skills, sacrificing time, energy, and often financial stability for their art. While this deep commitment can be rewarding, it can also lead to immense stress. The need to constantly prove oneself, the pressure to meet expectations, and the fear of failure can weigh heavily on even the most accomplished artists.
At times, it can be difficult to step off this treadmill and truly enjoy the journey, to remember the joy that your craft brings and to celebrate yourself, your skills, deep connection to your craft, your soul and your body. But it is so important, and I hope this post on my Instagram can help you remember and hopefully brings a smile to your face:
Let’s Acknowledge External and Internal Pressures
Performing artists often face a mix of external and internal pressures.
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- External Expectations: Audiences, critics, directors, and producers have high expectations. The demand for perfection and consistency can make every performance feel like a test.
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- Financial Uncertainty: Unlike traditional careers, performing arts do not always provide stable income. Many artists juggle multiple jobs to sustain their passion, adding another layer of stress.
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- Competitive Industry: The industry is highly competitive, and opportunities are limited. Rejection is a common experience, which can take a toll on an artist’s self-esteem.
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- Self-Imposed Pressure: Many artists are their own worst critics. The drive for perfection can lead to self-doubt and exhaustion, making it difficult to find joy in the art they once loved.
So How Can We Recognise the Signs of Passion-Driven Stress?
It’s important for artists to recognise when passion starts turning into stress. Some common signs include:
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- Constant anxiety before performances
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- Loss of enthusiasm for practice or rehearsals
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- Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or insomnia
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- Feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome
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- Emotional exhaustion and burnout
How Can We Reignite Joy and Manage Stress?
Forgive me for starting this section with a photo of me but moments of joy, laughter, letting go and being silly are so important for our self-care and overall wellbeing.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Rather than striving for unattainable perfection, focus on personal growth and progress. Celebrate small achievements along the way. I like to say to myself: ‘Every day in every way I am getting better, better and better’. If I can be a better version of myself (and in this I include being better at self-care, at being joyful, present, being more self-compassionate and self-caring) then I am making progress.
2. Maintain a Work-Life Balance
Taking time away from performing is crucial. Engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and ensure that your entire identity isn’t wrapped up in your career. Physical activity is super important. Nature is the best healer. As we know, often best ideas and insights come to us when we are resting, often on our breaks or holidays. Self-care cannot be an add on or an afterthought, it’s non-negotiable (you can work towards achieving this mindset).
3. Success isn’t just about landing the perfect role or receiving standing ovations. It’s about continuous learning, expressing oneself authentically, and finding fulfilment in the artistic journey. Maintaining the curiosity and a mindset of growing as a person and as a performer through experimentation, exploration and fun can be very rewarding. I love the acronym F.A.I.L. (First Attempt In Learning). In that way, our FAIL is always an opportunity to learn and progress.
5. Seek Support
Surround yourself with mentors, fellow artists, and friends who understand the ups and downs of the performing arts world. A strong support system can make a significant difference in navigating stress.
6. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Exercise, meditation, knitting, doodling, journaling (you name it, there are so many more) can help manage stress. I will write another post about the importance of bilateral stimulation and polyvagal tuning but if you are interested in practices that employ it look at my pages on Brainspotting and EMDR.
7. Seeking professional therapy or joining support groups for artists can also be beneficial.
Feel free to reach out to find out about therapy:
https://www.instagram.com/expansion.psychology
I shall soon be offering support groups, webinars and workshops too.
Final Thoughts
Passion should be a source of inspiration, not exhaustion. While stress is a natural part of any demanding career, it shouldn’t overshadow the love for your craft. By recognizing the signs of burnout and implementing strategies to manage stress, all of you wonderful creatives can sustain your passion while prioritising your well-being. After all, the most powerful performances come from a place of joy, not just pressure.