Do the Scary Shit
I’m taking singing lessons.
Yup, true story.
I say this to people who have known me my whole life and the reaction has been pretty consistent.
“Ohhhhhhhh, really? (in a high-pitched voice)... That’s (long pause) cool….”
I take this reaction to possibly mean a few things.
And yes, I could ask, but to be honest, I ultimately don’t really care what they think, I just find it really funny!
Most likely, as is human nature, they are making it about them. They are thinking to themselves, “Wow, I could never do that, I am a terrible singer. I would never sing in front of someone, etc.” Or, “Should I be doing something like that? Should I be trying something new?”
They’re wondering why I would do that “at my age,” (which is also really about them).
They’re thinking that spending money on lessons for something I don’t need is silly (which is also really about them).
They think I am/would be a terrible singer.
Regardless of the meaning, and despite thinking I was going to keep this to myself, I am starting to tell more and more people, just to see their reaction.
It makes me laugh. For some reason, it makes people uncomfortable. I have more theories, but I won’t bore you with them right now.
So why am I telling you this? Good question. There are two reasons.
First: I want to encourage you to do something that scares you. Try something new. Try something you once dreamed of doing. Try something you wish you were incredible at or believe that you could be.
Here’s why it matters: When you try new things, it activates the mid-brain area, which strengthens learning and long-term memory. In order to handle these new situations, our brain develops new neural pathways which does so many good things for us! Plus, when our brains are faced with new stimuli, they release dopamine, which elevates our mood.
I love this shit! I think, potentially, I was meant to be a neuroscientist or neuroplasticity specialist. Maybe in another life.
But since I’m not, let me make sure you hear it from someone who is!
Dr. Caroline Leaf is a cognitive neuroscientist who has spent the last 30 years researching the mid-brain connection.
Dr. Leaf says the following on this topic:
"Change is the greatest teacher, and being uncomfortable is the best way to challenge your body and your brain…”
She goes on to say: "Our brains are designed to be stimulated, we create new brain nerve cells every night and wake up with tons in the morning. Using your mind to build your brain is the best thing you can do for your neuroplasticity. You have a whole lot of new baby nerve cells in the morning. We are supposed to be learning new things every day, and every moment is a new experience. As we respond to whatever is going on in the environment, we change the structure of the brain and function at a higher level."
Hell, yes! Try something new = function at a higher level. Sing = become more amazing.
Second: I’m singing this song right now as a trio with my two girls, and it is lighting me up!
I had never heard of the artist before. Her name is Lily Meola and the song is Daydream.
Here are pieces of the lyrics:
“We all got these big ideas.
One day they’re replaced with fears.”
Truth. But why? Why is it this way?
I believe it’s because society’s “shoulds” infiltrate us and butt heads with our dreams, and we get scared.
And the chorus goes:
“Don’t quit your daydream.
It’s your life that you’re making.
It ain’t big enough if it doesn’t scare the hell out of you.
If it makes you nervous,
It’s probably worth it.
Why save it for sleep when you could be
Living your daydream.”
My daydream today is different than my daydream of the past, but there are always dreams.
There are always reasons to continue to try new things. (Like coaching, if you’ve never tried it Yup, that was a definite shameless plug!)
Get your first session FREE with us, ALWAYS!
As you go on with your day, I want you to ask yourself, what is your version of singing lessons?