How to recover when you mess up?

Call it. Start over. Lean in.

Live performances are something that really inspire me. They are raw and the energy is infectious.

Usually.

I was at a three day music festival over the weekend. A really big/famous US band were on the main stage. And 95% of the attendees were at that stage. But I was not enjoying the show. It felt self indulgent and was dragging on. And I can be intolerant. So....

My wife and I went to the “other stage” where a comparatively unknown Aussie female performer, Maddy Jane, was just starting.

There were about 50 people in the really large tent. It felt awkward. But she said that she was “made up we had made the effort, when those big guys are on over there”.

I could tell Maddy was nervous. She was a little unfocused and the crowd felt it. She confessed it was her first festival in 3 years.

Her performance seemed a bit stiff. It went on for two songs like that.

Then out of nowhere it all came to a head.

She stopped the set. BOOM!

Silence.

“I f#cked up and forgot my own words. Sorry everyone. Now let’s start over….”.

I was shocked. BUT….

From that moment the whole atmosphere changed.

Her performance cranked right up. She stepped right into her power. She seemed taller even. She had let go. Her singing was on point and louder. She was smiling and enjoying every single moment.

She had nothing to lose. So she leaned-in...came alive.

After three songs I turned around and noticed the tent was almost full. The atmosphere was amazing.

She was on fire. I was so happy.

THESE THREE THINGS:
When a high stakes moment doesn’t feel right for you, don’t be afraid to restart.

Just like Maddy Jane did. Try THESE THREE THINGS:

1. Call it. Explain that it hasn’t gone to plan. And that you are going to start over, respectfully, in a way the audience responds to.

2. Give it your all. Holding back won’t win you any fans. And you will disappoint yourself more than anyone else.

3. Enjoy the moment. Lean in and give it your best. That is all you can do.

What about you?
Did you ever mess up and recover well? I would love to hear more about how you recovered with grace or without!