Fear of Failure

Nov 4

The only thing to FEAR is FEAR itself.

Well, isn’t that easy to say when your knees are knocking and your heart is thumping and you have to pee?!

Let’s take it from an Actor’s point of view. I’ve certainly been there and honestly, most of what happens to us (actors) can be related to our “real” lives too. I’ll add a few, possibly overused, quotes here, so forgive me, but I feel them. I think FEAR of FAILURE is where the fear actually comes from. Failure.

“Acting is really about having the courage to fail in front of people.” —Adam Driver

I’m not so sure I agree with that — as I recall standing backstage waiting to go on and feeling (knowing) this was a bad mistake. Stupid of me really. Well, the show went on and I didn’t mess up, but I sure didn’t feel courageous!

“Failure seldom stops you. What stops you is the Fear of Failure.” —Jack Lemmon

I’ve never thought of my life as being courageous. Confession: I kill spiders. So, no, not courageous, but unwilling to let life pass me by.

My FEAR of FAILURE is STRONG, very strong and embarrassing when it happens — but with a red face and a tired heart, what else is there for me to do? I go on and learn from it. Listen to this I just read that is me and so very many others I just realized, but didn’t appreciate about myself or even acknowledge:

“DID IT ALONE. DID IT BROKE. DID IT SCARED. STILL DOING IT.” —Naveen Sirohi

I’m not going to pat myself on the back because — quite frankly – I didn’t know any better and I still don’t see a reason to stop doing “it”. I’ve survived this long and I’m not known as a Raging Fool — at least as far as I know!

So GET UP - Your COMFORT ZONE will kill you. Life is all about taking risks and seizing opportunities! ✨ Breathe, and don’t try to be perfect.

“You feel unsettled because you know you are meant for so much more. Get out of your own way.”