Prelude : defining performance -- Assessing yourself, the performer : achieving a positive mindset toward performance -- Why we perform : forging a performance philosophy -- Physical support for performance -- Conceptualizing and scheduling goals -- Keeping preparation fresh and focused -- Dealing with repetition and drill -- Techniques to develop secure memorization -- Ensuring quality -- Self-regard at the time of performance -- Managing stage fright -- Dynamics during performance -- Evaluation after performance -- Performance and human interaction -- The career challenge -- Physical challenge and performance -- Performance careers in retrospect -- Postlude : performance and your spiritual life