You Might Be Better Than You Think

“You make music. They play notes.”

I was a music major at the University of New Mexico. There I was in the music school’s basement, where the lockers and practice rooms are, getting yelled at by one of my professors.

I played the harpsichord. One year, I was a member of a chamber group. There were four of us-cello, violin, viola and me. The other three were very good technical players. Me?

I thought I was talented, but I didn’t think I could “light a candle” compared to them. 

I performed in the chamber group in the year’s first semester. But I didn’t sign up for it for the second semester. 

I ran into the professor who ran the group in the school’s basement. He screams at me, “Where are you?” and literally dragged me into one of the practice rooms, slamming the door shut behind him. Now he is yelling at me, “Why didn’t you sign up for the second semester? Your group is the best group I have!” But I told the professor, “They’re such talented musicians and I’m terrible.”

Well, if I thought he was mad before, you should have seen him now. “You're the best musician in the group. You make music, they play notes,” he said as he stormed out of the room.

So, after giving him time to calm down, I went to his office. I said, “Please say more.”

“Nobody hears a mistake. No one hears you miss a note. You're driving this group of technically expert players to bring out the music.”

I said, “Okay, I had no clue. I'll sign up.” 

“No. Too late. I won't let you.” 

“Why?”

“Because you pissed me off. Once you piss me off, I will never forget.”

I’ve never forgotten what that professor said to me. Whenever I feel a little low, or think that I made a stupid mistake, or am confronted with a seemingly unwinnable situation, I think of what that professor said to me.

I often tell this story to clients, too, when I think they may be better than they think. It’s amazing to me how much we can downplay our own talent. 

Here is my suggestion to you: Believe in yourself!!

The upside of believing in yourself is sooo much more than the downside of NOT believing in yourself. 

The emotional currency that comes from belief can easily pay your way to where you want to go. 

When you feel like you’re stuck, the best choice is to imagine yourself succeeding. To feel it in your bones. Even if it’s challenging...practice believing in yourself as it may be a skill you need to develop!

You Might Be Better Than You Think

Melinda coaches a range of clients-those in transition, those needing a thought partner and those needing more tools in their toolbox. 

She also coaches people who experience self-doubt. She gets them to acknowledge their feelings of self- doubt and overcome them so they can live the life meant for them. 

Her experience as a practicing psychotherapist allows her to discover her clients’ blind spots, which helps them shed a light on the hidden aspects of their personality that need fine tuning. 

Melinda is in Carbondale, Colorado. You can reach her at 970-274-3130 or via email. You can get on her calendar here.