Some of us can be the most logical beings since Spock (of Star Trek fame) in our daily activities, but the whole dynamic changes when we have some sort of huge test or competition.  All of a sudden we start implementing a good luck ritual, whether it be a lucky pencil or a movie night.  But here’s the best part: it always works!  We could be creating good luck mojo or the ritual may calm our nerves.  Back in my musician days, I used to spend the day before a performance not practicing my piece, listened to a professional recording before bed and then again in the morning.  For some reason, I played way better.

These days, it’s a whole new ball-game: competition and rank testing.  I actually have high-belt rank testing 1 week before my competition.  Yikes!  I’m nervous, so it looks like I’ll be learning new ritual-style coping mechanisms.  I do have a couple time-tested rank testing strategies that I’ll be using.  I invite you all to share your ideas for getting hyped up, whether it be for a huge interview or just a little work-out :)

  • Crank the groovy tunes


Cranking the tunes is still the first thing I think to do.  I don’t care how young I’m supposed to be, I still think that Vincent Price in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is groovy as heck.  My playlist consists of “Thriller”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Billy Jean” and a bunch of Dream Theater (to name a few :) ).  Grooving out the morning of a rank testing wakes me up and because of my mad kitchen dancing, my blood gets pumping and my muscles start warming up.  Let’s face it: we’re a little too nervous to get some pre-test stretches in – that’s my justification for grooving.

  • Pack a lunch/survival kit

This is more common sense than anything.  In some schools, high belt testing is a day-long ordeal – the morning may be filled with a seminar with your Grandmaster and the afternoon may have the testing.  In that case, pack a sandwich, banana, and some juice.  Bananas are (supposed to) help with hydration – in musical endeavors, we ate them to prevent dry mouth and to stop the nervous shakes.  Be sure to have some water, obviously.  I also like to have a thermos of tea for relaxation, a compact to touch up make-up, and solution for dry contacts.  I recommend some snacks as well – mainly, because I’m always hungry but also, it’s a great way to make friends. :)

  • Eat a light breakfast

Never fill your belly right before a long day!  I typically grab a coffee, a small portion of fruit and yogurt.  Sugary cereals are a no-no, as are a big stack of pancakes.  Coffee should be a no-no, but caffeine keeps me awake.  Use a lunch-pack to stay pleasantly full through the day.  Start hydrating right away as well.

  • Night before: the Karate Kid

Okay, this is dorky, but I’ve loved this movie since I was eight years old.  Daniel-san triumphs in the end, despite his physical limitations.  I want to be able to pull through no matter what happens, so I watch “The Karate Kid” to get myself all pumped up.  If Daniel-san can do it, why can’t I?  This movie also reminds me why I love the martial arts and that while the training may seem silly or too intense, if we obey our masters, we’ll prevail.

  • Divine intervention and positivity

I visualize myself succeeding and think positive thoughts about the upcoming test.  I try to anticipate what’s going to happen and then visualize my reaction.  There’s also something to be said about divine intervention (if one believes in these things).  I pray to chosen deity – not for ultimate success, but that I try my very best.  Trying is most important and I believe that a person shouldn’t be rewarded for sitting on one’s bum.  But of course, that’s me being philosophical.

These are just a couple things that I’ve found to be helpful.  What are some of your ideas?  How do you all prepare for big events?

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