Episode 409: Why Fear Gets Louder

Why Fear Gets Louder Right Before Growth

Fear often gets louder right before growth.

And sometimes it is not just loud. Sometimes it is a full-on horror movie. Because when I am on the verge of change, there is a part of me that gets angry about it. No, no, no. We like to keep it how it is, thank you very much.

But actors mistake fear for failure when sometimes it means they are actually getting closer.

The Blowback

I call it the blowback. When I start to really go out there and do what I want to do, sometimes I get a blowback. The old stuff starts crashing back in. And the best thing I can do is stay prepared for that, because when I am taking really good actions that is often exactly when it happens.

I need to stay steady in what I know to be true.

Your Nervous System Is Wired for Familiar Suffering

This is going to sound a little crazy but I find it to be true. My brain is wired for familiar suffering. The nervous system prefers what feels familiar, even if that familiar thing is struggle or self-doubt or self-deprecation. If it is familiar, that is what your nervous system wants.

Think about actors who sabotage momentum after finally getting traction. You start to do really well and then you notice a part of you that wants to pull back. Or overthinking every audition after getting close to booking. Being pinged for a ton of roles and then suddenly getting in your own head.

Your nervous system would rather keep you familiar than fulfilled.

Fear is urgent and feels catastrophic. Intuition is usually quieter and more grounded. That is the difference.

Journal Prompts

What are you postponing because it feels uncomfortable? This does not have to be about your acting career. What have you been putting off?

And this one is so good I have to say it twice. Is your fear protecting your future or protecting familiarity?

Visibility and the Terror That Comes With It

So many actors want visibility and fear it at the same time. Momentum can trigger imposter syndrome and fear of pressure. And those things are real.

The move is to move before you feel ready. Take one action before your brain fully approves.

I was watching an actor do a monologue recently and I noticed right away they were making sure they were ready before saying that first line. I told them, say that line when you are not ready. When you feel like you are falling off the cliff, that is when you say it. See what happens.

The Thing I Want to Leave You With

If you are afraid, it means that you care. And the bravest actors I know continue showing up while that uncertainty is still present.

It really is that leap and the net will appear.

Want to Keep the Conversation Going?

I have a few openings for free consultations, one-on-one or through buddy coaching, where you and a friend work with me together at a significant discount. Email me at peter@actingbusinessbootcamp.com

As I always say, stay safe and treat yourself real well.