251 Your Heart Is Racing. Now What? The "Yes, And" trick that turns nerves into focus

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Feb 26, 2026

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ANECDOTE

Improv At School Sparked A Performance Tool

Renée Gauthier learned the 'Yes, And' rule from her son's school improv show and applied it to performance nerves.
The chaotic, brilliant improv moment reframed improv as 'improvising with reality' rather than jazz or cadenzas.

INSIGHT

Activation Is Preparation Not Failure

Activation (fast heart, dry mouth, shaky legs) is the body's preparation, not failure.
Anxiety happens when we layer self-critical thoughts on top of activation and turn mobilization into catastrophe.

INSIGHT

Validation Calms What Denial Inflames

Denial and trying to 'stop thinking' usually backfire because the nervous system ignores bullying.
Validation (acknowledging feelings without catastrophizing) calms the system and prevents escalation.

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When your heart is racing and your brain starts whispering "don't mess this up," it's easy to think the goal is to shut the thoughts down. But that fight is often the thing that turns normal pre performance activation into full anxiety. In this short episode, I borrow the first rule of improv, "Yes, and," and show you how to use it as a musician. Not to become fearless, but to stay in the music even when doubt is in the room.

In this episode, you'll hear:

· The difference between normal activation and anxiety, and how the "second layer" of thoughts creates the spiral

· Why denial and forcing yourself to "stop thinking" usually backfire right before performance

· How to use "Yes, and" as validation, so your nervous system feels supported instead of bullied

· Real scripts for the moments musicians actually struggle with, feeling behind in practice, tight in the warmup room, or rattled by a mistake on stage

· A one minute breath reset you can do anywhere, 4 count inhale, 6 count exhale, paired with "Yes" and "And"

· A simple challenge for today, catch one scary thought, validate it, and keep going

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

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THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.