According to a study, event planners are number 5 on the list of the most stressful careers. So, if you are in the events industry, then you probably know how difficult clients, a tight budget and the anxiety of failing on the big day can give you those dark circles and make you chew on antacids before the event.

That doesn’t seem so healthy. So, if you need help fighting that pre-event fear, here are some of the best ways to help you harness that negative energy into a positive one.

1. Look Beyond

Whether it is a business conference, a trade show or a product launch, imagine it as having already happened.

Imagine it as having been a huge success. Visualize yourself laughing about how nervous you were before it took place. This should help calm you down.

In addition, remember your successes in hosting past events. It can be helpful to write a list of the times in the past that you have felt the fear and anxiety before the dreaded event and ended up just doing fine.

Tuck it in your pocket or purse, referring to it throughout the event, if necessary, to calm down your fear.

2. Planning Ahead

Usually, anxiety comes from the fear of being unprepared. Perhaps you forgot something or a client gave last-minute changes that can give you panic attacks before the event.

For this, make a list of all the small things that can add to your stress before and during the event which you can pinpoint, plan for ahead of time and make some backup plans in cases of emergencies.

You also need to focus on yourself. I mean, after all those preparations, you also need to prepare yourself— what you will wear, where will you park, even your diet (avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sugar) before the event should be planned.

3. Change the Negative Self-Talk

These are negative phrases that you use while you are overthinking before the event. Examples of these negative self-talk phrases can be “I might lose this job” or “I won’t do well tomorrow!”

This lack of self-confidence ignites fear. Thus, you need to train yourself to use positive self-talk instead or at least be neutral. Remember, you planned the event for months. You exerted huge time and effort into this. The last thing you want is to down-talk yourself and lowering your self-esteem before it even happens.

4. Meditate

Mindfulness meditation is a proven way to positively impact physical and mental health. It is a skill that takes practice to get comfortable, but once you develop it, anxiety and fear won’t be able to bother you for long.

In addition to meditating, you can also have a motivational mantra. Whether whispered, chanted or recited silently, mantras are affirmations which can help you stay calm and positive throughout the day before the event.

For instance, repeating the words “A loss today doesn’t mean a loss tomorrow” can help you out when something goes wrong.

5. Positive Visualization

Whether you consider yourself a Zen master or not, you should know that there are plenty of studies that have proven the impact and effectiveness of positive visualization.

When you imagine a positive outcome in your mind, it is more likely to play out that way. Rather than thinking of something going wrong or your event going haywire, visualize yourself confidently smiling as guests and clients praise you for a job well done.

Positive thoughts can indeed be super effective, so consider giving it a shot!

Author: Maxwell Donovan