Tips for the Artists in Limbo: Entry Seven

Establishing Your Own Pre-Game Ritual

Many of us move through daily rituals without ever labeling them as such. Your pre-work ritual might be timing your subway commute just right, stopping at the coffee shop outside the station, and knowing it gives you the perfect window to grab a to-go bagel and walk into the office moments before your first meeting. A pre-going-out ritual might look like a shower, a full skincare routine, trying on every possible outfit, spending an hour on makeup, and putting on jewelry only when it’s finally time to walk out the door.

When most people think of rituals, though, they think of sports. Athletes are famous for their wacky, deeply personal, and time-tested pre-game routines. While some may lean into superstition, many of these rituals are intentional practices that help ground focus, confidence, and performance in the moment.

As creators, we’re not so different from athletes. Both paths demand discipline, consistency, and an unwavering level of focus. And if you’re a seasoned athle- I mean, creator, you already know the routine that’s proven, time and time again, to be your own version of a good-luck charm.

Let’s talk about practicing like an athlete.

I break my warm-up into two distinct categories: physical and mental. Caring for these areas separately is essential for me - trying to tackle everything at once often creates more anxiety. Moving slowly and intentionally through my checklist allows me to stay grounded and fully focused.

In music, I find that many people overlook the fact that we need to warm up physically in order to feel warm mentally - the two are connected.

I always begin with stretching my arms, neck, and shoulders. These are major areas where tension, pain, and stiffness tend to accumulate. As a flute player, stretching these muscles is just as vital as stretching your legs and hips would be for a runner.

Next, comes breath work. This not only prepares my lungs to take in deep, efficient air as I begin to play, but it also helps regulate my nervous system. I have pretty intense performance anxiety, and without intentional breathing to slow my heart rate, I’m going to continue feeling shaky and unfocused.

Last, but not least, is nourishing my body. This is something I strive to do daily, not just as a pre-performance ritual. Before any high-stress moment, it’s especially important to eat well and stay hydrated. Both cognitive function and physical endurance depend on it, and when you’re stepping into a big moment, your body needs this type of support to carry you through.

My personal preference is to transition from my physical warm-up into my mental warm-up - though you may find it works better for you to reverse the order. For me, mental preparation is far more effective once my body feels grounded, flexible, and steady. If I’m still feeling stiff or shaky physically, my mind struggles to completely settle.

I begin by visualizing what’s about to happen. Whether I’m heading into an audition or a performance, it’s something I’ve done many times before. I can’t know for sure exactly how this moment will unfold, but I calm my nerves by reminding myself of this simple truth: I’ve been here before many times, and I’ve succeeded many times. I picture myself walking out, playing with confidence, and doing what I already know how to do. This visualization really helps normalize the experience and quiet a lot of the unnecessary worry.

From there, I affirm to myself that there is a very real possibility (likely even a probability) that things will go well. I know what I’m doing! Reframing it this way leaves my mind with very little room to spiral and instead encourages my success. I make a conscious effort not to over-dramatize the moment. This is not something to fear or hype up - it’s simply another day of picking up my flute and playing well. The world will keep turning and the celebration can come afterward.

Finally - and most importantly - I unplug completely. If I haven’t already, I silence my phone, put it away, and take off my Apple Watch so there are no buzzing distractions on my wrist. For the next few hours, my online world does not exist. It will absolutely still be there when I’m done. What matters to me now, is protecting my focus and avoiding anything - texts, notifications, social media - that could reintroduce stress or doubt.

During this time, nothing else is competing for my attention.

Now that I’m physically and mentally warmed up, it’s time to get down to business. This moment is about going for it - trusting and delivering all of the work I’ve already put into preparing for this event. From here, I move into “drills”.

I run through my technique routine with a focus on control, relying on the repetition that I’ve built into the routine to reinforce discipline in both my fingers and my breathing. I’ll also touch my repertoire, but only to spot-check. The day of a performance, I never to run it straight through.

Call it superstition, but it feels like tempting fate. I believe that doing a full run-through of your repertoire, speech, or routine right before the real thing is a big no-no. On the day of a major performance or audition, I choose to trust that the work I’ve already done is enough. I’ll jump around to check particularly technical passages or tricky lines, but the full run I reserve for the stage.

After all, the last thing you want is to tire yourself out right before it actually counts.

This is the final 5–10 minutes before you step out there. It’s time to activate.

It may feel a little silly, but it’s necessary. Whether you say it silently to yourself or look in the mirror and say it out loud, you need to give yourself permission - and a command - to do what you do best. Fully commit to this moment. Accept that you are about to walk out with confidence, focus, and passion.

You know how much work has led to this day. This is not the time to doubt your preparation, question your readiness, or hesitate. That work is already done. Now is the time to trust it, turn it on, and execute.

Activate the moment.