How to Avoid Burnout: Key Strategies for a Productive Audition Prep

A lot of women start their audition prep journey feeling so excited and ready to conquer ANYTHING. They go to extremes - workout excessively, stress over the smallest things, and don’t take time to relax. Eventually, they find themselves disengaged and unmotivated. What seems to be the problem? Burnout.

Burnout is a result of being too overwhelmed. Perhaps you’ve set unclear expectations because you try to be everything. Or you feel out of control because you don’t really have a solid audition prep plan.

By preventing burnout from happening, I believe that you will be able to achieve more and feel your best.

Today, I want to share with you essential tips that I used in my pro cheer career and I also offer to aspiring pro cheerleaders/dancers like yourself…

Set realistic expectations for yourself.

Every aspiring pro cheerleader has a set of expectations for herself. But too often than not, these expectations involve having the same level of energy each day and working without breaks. Please remember that your outcomes don’t always have to be ideal. Aim for acceptable outcomes - think about small things that take you a step closer to your goals!!!

Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments.

The best way to feel fulfilled (which motivates you to keep going) is to value your human-size achievements. Small wins have the power to transform you in due time. A small win paves way for another win. Be sure to document those wins in your journal. Don’t let them go unnoticed!

Vary your workout routine.

You know how important physical fitness, because it’s one of the key requirements for pro cheer candidates. But it’s also essential to switch up your exercise routine. Not only will it beat plateaus and prevent overuse injuries, but it also keeps things from getting stale.

Write yourself a fan letter!

Picture this out: You’re someone whom you really admire. As your biggest fan, what would you tell yourself? For this tip, you need to think about your strengths and things you appreciate about yourself. Make them your focus in your handwritten letter or email.

Surround yourself with supportive people.

You may be an aspiring cheerleader, but you also need people who cheer you… everybody does! Because the truth is, there are people (friends, experts, or mentors) who are capable of helping you through any situation - no matter how intimidating it can be. Being in the right company empowers you to practice positivity and make good decisions.

Practice mindfulness at all times.

Mindfulness is being attentive to your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Simply put, mindfulness is awareness of the present moment. When you become more aware of yourself, you learn to stop when you need to stop. You change what needs to be changed.

These strategies have helped me in my journey to becoming a pro cheerleader in the past. I hope you’ll apply them as well. And remember: Be patient and kind to yourself! I know you can make it.

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