“What If I Mess Up?” Turning Fear into Fuel

Let’s set the scene…

It’s the morning of a Feis. You’ve got your wig done, tan looking fab, and those polished shoes are ready to GO. You head sidestage, heart pounding as fast as your Jig rhythm, and then... your brain whispers:

“What if I mess up?”

Cue the nerves, the overthinking, the sweaty palms!

Sound familiar? Don’t worry. You’re not alone - every Dancer, from beginner to Open Champion, has had this thought at some point. The good news? That fear can actually become your fuel 🔥

🧠 Fear Isn’t the Enemy

Fear isn’t something to get rid of - it’s just your brain trying to keep you safe Instead of thinking of fear as a stop sign, treat it just like a source of energy, and you get to choose what you do with it.

🪞 NLP: Mind Games That Actually Work

Did you know our Mindset Coach (👋 Hi, Annabelle!) is trained in powerful NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques? That’s science-speak for “how to use your brain to become your biggest cheerleader.”

Here are 3 NLP-backed mindset tricks you can use next time you are worried about ‘messing up’:

1. 🎭 Switch the Script

Thought: “What if I forget my steps?”
Switch it: “What if I absolutely SMASH it?”

➡ Try this: Stand tall, smile, and say the new thought out loud like it’s already happened. You’re telling your brain what to focus on!

2. 🗣️ Argue Back

Dancers who have siblings are normally super good at this - but rather than thinking of the voice inside your head as yourself, try and think about it as someone else - ie, a sibling! If your brother or sister told you that you were going to mess up, would you listen?

What would you say to them instead? When you figure out your argument back, use that to challenge the thoughts in your brain that aren’t helpful to your Dancing.

3. 🎬 Mental Replay

NLP uses visualisation like a secret rehearsal. Every night before a Feis, close your eyes and see yourself dancing with confidence, hearing applause, and feeling proud. The more your brain “practices” success, the more natural it becomes.

💛 You Are Not Your Results

This is the big one. Whether you place 1st or 101st - your score does NOT define your talent, potential, or worth.

You are growing. You are learning. And every single round is an opportunity to do better!

“Messing up” doesn’t mean you’re failing - it means you’re trying, and that’s braver than most people ever dare to be.

🎧 Want More Mindset Magic?

Check out our Mindset Matters Podcast Series - where we chat about everything from nerves to goal setting, comparing yourself to others, and how parents can support their Dancers too.” Listen while stretching, warming up, or chilling post-class🎙️

You can also level-up your mental game by joining our Gold Club, which includes:

✨ Weekly Mindset Classes with Annabelle
📅 Monthly Goal Setting Sessions
🙌 A supportive community of Dancers just like you

🎯 Because strong legs are great, but strong mindsets take you to the next level.

So the next time your brain asks, “What if I mess up?”
You smile and say, “What if I Dance Amazing?” 

Keep dancing, keep dreaming and remember, your mind is your secret weapon.