As a voice scientist and specialist in rehabilitating singing voices, I have observed a common pattern in my students, especially those recovering from vocal injury or who self-identify as perfectionists: they tend to “should” on themselves.

“I should already know this.”
“I should sound better by now.”
“I should be able to sing like [insert artist].”

Sound familiar?

This mindset traps singers in what W. Timothy Gallwey in The Inner Game of Tennis calls the paradox of the “two selves.” Self 1 is the analytical, judging voice (“Come on, you’re off-pitch again!”), while Self 2 is the unconscious mind-body system—the part of you that already knows how to sing when given the chance.

Gallwey’s insight is critical for vocalists: performance = potential – interference. That is,
P = p – i

We often work so hard to get it “right” that we disrupt what our bodies already know how to do. In Gallwey’s words:

“Every time I get near match point... I get so nervous I lose concentration. I’m my own worst enemy.” (The Inner Game of Tennis, p. 6)

In singing, that “match point” might be the high note, the audition, the solo moment. And in trying to control every detail, Self 1 tightens the muscles, clouds the mind with judgment, and causes the very interference that throws us off balance.

Here’s the shift: stop “trying” and start allowing. Let Self 2—your wise, experienced, adaptive body—do what it has been trained to do. Instead of commanding your voice to perform, simply notice. Observe without judgment. Allow the sound to emerge.

This is the essence of relaxed concentration—what Gallwey calls the master skill for excellence in any field. And yes, even singing.

If you’re a singer prone to perfectionism, consider this your invitation to stop battling yourself. Trade judgment for awareness. Trust your body. Let it sing.

Your best voice isn’t forced—it’s freed.

Jamea J. Sale, PhD
Director, Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research
Sing for a Lifetime
www.HealthySinging.org