We’ve all been there: stuck in our heads, replaying past mistakes or worrying about what’s next. This mental chatter pulls us away from the present moment, making it difficult to be truly focused and confident. The key to breaking free is often simpler than we think: it’s about getting into our bodies.
My work in improv is a powerful tool for teaching this. It forces us to listen, react, and be fully present with others. But a recent conversation with a young sales professional reminded me that finding our center is only partially a mental exercise.
After a workshop with an international team, a young man approached me. He shared his struggle with confidence, admitting he felt he was “too young” and was constantly in his head, overthinking. I asked him about his physical pursuits.
“Have you ever done yoga?” I asked. “No.”
“Do you play any sports?” “No.”
“What about martial arts or Tai Chi?” He had a quick, excited response, but due to his accent and my own unfamiliarity with the terms he used, I didn’t quite catch the name of the lesser-known martial art he practiced.
What I did catch was his physical response. He demonstrated a starting stance: feet together, arms at his sides, as if about to bow to an opponent.
“YES! THAT’S IT!” I exclaimed. “That’s what I mean.”
That physical posture was an anchor. It was a clear, physical expression of grounding himself, of centering his mind and body. While improv helps us with the psychological and verbal aspects of connection, a physical practice like this is essential.
Finding focus and confidence isn’t just about what you think; it’s about how you feel and how you hold yourself. A dedicated physical activity—whether it’s martial arts, yoga, or dance—can help anchor your mind and soul, allowing you to show up fully, not just in your movements, but in your conversations and your life.
You must be logged in to post a comment.