Last week, I had the privilege of attending Adele’s concert in Las Vegas on June 8, marking the 88th show in her residency. Amidst the emotive vocals and soulful performance, Adele shared two deeply personal stories that left a lasting impression on me—her struggles with OCD and her long-running fear of performing. These stories are remarkable because they demonstrate what is possible with the experience of getting outside our comfort zone, present-moment awareness, and the courage to face our deepest fears. They show that we can witness and control our thoughts rather than be controlled by them. With courage, one can take small steps to actively rewire the brain. While these small actions may have just changed her day, over time, they will change her life. I have detailed the story here as best as I can remember. A bit of advanced warning, she swore a fair bit (her words, not mine). The strong conviction with which she told the story made clear the intensity of the struggles that she was dealing with.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety or distress, making it a difficult challenge to confront. As she stood on the stage, Adele began to speak openly with the audience, her voice both strong and vulnerable. “You know,” she said, “I’ve been very vocal recently about my struggles with OCD.” She sat down on the edge of the stage, “And I am doing what I can today to ‘f**ing actively rewire my brain.” She continued, “On the days of my shows, I follow a very specific routine, believing that only its precise execution leads to a successful performance. It’s my way of feeling in control amidst the chaos of my thoughts. But yesterday, my routine had ‘gone to sht’ and despite that, I still had a very successful show.”
With this realization, she decided to take a bold move that day to confront her OCD tendencies and see how today’s show went. She deliberately altered the order and timing of her usual activities that day and even swapped her usual pre-show chicken dinner for salmon. She jokingly remarked that it was “burning the hell out of her stomach,” but she was determined that the show would go on.
Later in the show, she spoke about another struggle she had faced: the fear of performing she had for many years. She admitted, “When I go to concerts, I expect a certain level of entertainment and connection with the performers. But for many years, I used to be so in my head that it kept me from truly connecting with and feeling the energy of the audience. When I started this Vegas residency,” Adele continued, “I decided to share a memory from past performances, each one unique for each show. Which at the time, seemed like a good idea, but after the 88th performance, it was getting difficult to come up with new memories,” she joked. But she did so on the spot.
As a member of the audience, I can attest to the energy and connection Adele created that night. She effortlessly worked the audience, inviting us to sing along, sharing her love of basketball, and vulnerably sharing her stories. I witnessed someone who was fighting against her deepest fears and the tendencies of disconnection that so often plague people with OCD. She was actively working on “getting out of her head and into her body.” By doing so, she felt the audience’s energy, forged a genuine connection, and was authentically herself on stage.
By any standard, it was a very successful and entertaining show. But, I got a lot more out of Adele’s concert than a great performance. It was a powerful testament to confronting one’s deepest fears and how transformation can happen in moments of present awareness. Adele’s self reflections and decision to behave differently than her usual tendency highlights a fundamental truth: small, everyday decisions can change your day, but over time, making choices that take you out of your comfort zone will transform your life.
I hope this story serves as an inspiration for anyone grappling with difficult behavior changes. It reminds us that while the journey to becoming the person we want to be is challenging, it is in these moments of conscious choice that we lay the groundwork for profound, lasting transformation.
About the Author
Heather Budd is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, trained by the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. She specializes in guiding individuals through lifestyle transformations to manage chronic illness and combat fatigue. With a diverse background in business, leadership and a profound personal health journey, Heather empowers clients to reclaim their health and extend their health span.
Important Information: The information and insights provided in this blog are based on personal experiences and are intended for informational purposes only. While I strive to offer valuable guidance, it is important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. You are ultimately responsible for your own decisions and actions. Please consult with appropriate professionals when making significant changes to your health, career, or personal life. While health coaching can support and enhance overall wellness, it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives.