How many times have you heard someone say, “I just learned this recently, so go easy on me,” before they start singing? Or maybe something like, “I’ve got allergies acting up,” or “I didn’t get much sleep last night.” We hear these phrases so often, and most of us have probably said something like this ourselves. It’s a way of setting up a cushion—just in case things don’t go as well as we hope.
But why do we do this?
We hedge our bets because we’re trying to protect ourselves. We think that if we give a little disclaimer, it will soften the blow if we don’t sound perfect. It’s our way of managing expectations, of saying, “Hey, don’t judge me too harshly if this doesn’t go well.” But this habit of preemptively excusing ourselves does more harm than good.
When we start by hedging our bets, we are actually invalidating the progress we’ve made. All the hard work we’ve put in—the hours of practice, the lessons, the rehearsals—gets overshadowed by the “just in case” mentality. It’s like we’re telling ourselves that all of that work doesn’t matter if something goes wrong, when in reality, the work we put in is the most important part of our journey as vocalists. The real growth happens through those hours of practice, even if the final performance isn’t perfect.
The Problem with Hedging Our Bets
Hedging our bets is also tied to the bigger narrative we tell ourselves about performance. If something doesn’t go as planned, we want to believe it’s due to an external reason, not because of our own skill or preparation. “My voice cracked because I’m still recovering from a cold.” “I went flat because my allergies are acting up.” “I forgot the words because I haven’t had enough sleep.”
It’s comforting to place the blame outside of ourselves, but in doing so, we deny a critical truth: performance is unpredictable because we’re human. We will make mistakes—whether we’ve gotten enough sleep, whether we’re fully healthy, or whether we’ve practiced for weeks. That’s part of being a musician, and honestly, it’s part of the beauty of live performance.
Instead of shielding ourselves with excuses, what if we embraced the unpredictability of performing? What if we acknowledged that mistakes and imperfections are a natural part of the process? Every time we step on stage or stand in front of a rehearsal room, we are taking a risk. But that’s what makes it exciting! The magic of music comes from our vulnerability, from showing up exactly as we are and giving the best performance we can in that moment.
Why Perfection Isn’t the Goal
Here’s the thing about perfection: it’s impossible. We’re human, and we’re going to make mistakes. It’s a given. Our voices will crack sometimes. We’ll miss a note or sing out of tune. We might even forget the words. But none of that defines our ability as vocalists. What matters is the work we’ve put in, the passion we bring to the music, and the connection we create with our audience.
When we hedge our bets in this way, we place the emphasis on perfection, when in reality, the goal should be progress. Every time we sing, whether in rehearsal or on stage, we’re learning something new. We’re improving, adjusting, refining our craft. That’s what makes us better singers—not flawless performances, but the continuous journey of growth and improvement.
Making mistakes doesn’t make you a failure. A cracked note or a forgotten lyric doesn’t erase the hours you’ve spent practicing or the skills you’ve built over time. We need to shift the focus away from being perfect and instead celebrate the work we’ve done to get where we are. Your voice is valid, worthy, and enough as it is today—even though it’s not perfect.
Embracing Where You Are
So, instead of saying, “I just learned this, so go easy on me,” what if you allowed yourself to just be? What if you trusted that all the work you’ve done is enough and that you don’t need to cushion your performance with an excuse?
It’s not easy, but it’s important. When we step on stage or into a rehearsal without hedging our bets, we open ourselves up to the possibility of real growth. We’re no longer hiding behind excuses, and we give ourselves permission to be fully present in the moment. This is where the most authentic performances come from—when we stop worrying about what might go wrong and start focusing on giving our best in the here and now.
And here’s the beautiful thing: when you let go of the fear of mistakes, your performances will naturally improve. Why? Because you’re no longer weighed down by the pressure to be perfect. Instead, you’re allowing yourself to connect with the music, with your fellow singers, and with your audience. That’s where the real magic happens.
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Taking Ownership of Your Journey
When you hedge your bets, you’re also denying yourself the opportunity to truly own your journey as a vocalist. By attributing potential mistakes to external factors, you’re distancing yourself from the growth that comes from those moments. But every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Owning your journey means embracing both the successes and the stumbles. It means showing up, doing your best, and accepting that your voice is a work in progress—just like every other singer’s voice. We are all on this journey together, learning and growing with each new experience.
What You Can Do Instead
So how can we stop hedging our bets and start owning our performances? It begins with trusting yourself and your voice. Trust that the work you’ve done matters, and that your voice is enough, no matter what happens in the moment.
Next, practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly. Remember, every singer makes mistakes. It’s part of the process. Instead of beating yourself up over a crack in your voice or a missed note, take it as a learning opportunity and move forward.
Finally, when you’re struggling to identify areas for improvement or need support in your practice, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to your section leader, another chorus member, or me at SPARK! We’re here to help you work through those tricky spots, to support you in your growth, and to remind you that perfection is never the goal.
Conclusion: You Are Enough
The next time you feel the urge to offer an excuse before you sing, take a deep breath and remember: you don’t need to ask for forgiveness before you perform. You are enough exactly as you are. Your voice is enough. Your hard work is enough. Mistakes and imperfections are part of the journey, not the end of it. And as long as you keep showing up and putting in the effort, you’re already succeeding.
❤
Rachel
SPARK! Music & Artistr 
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