HOW TO CONQUER FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY

You can begin working on your uncertainty by following these tips:

• • Know and understand your emotional blocks caused by old belief systems formed from past wounds.
  • Replace negative self-talk with positive words that will move you forward instead of backwards. Remember playing those negative tapes in your head will only set you up for fear and unhappiness. Stop them now!
  • Focus on the process and not the outcome. When auditioning, stop fixating on whether or not you will get the part, instead set your intention on simply having an illuminating experience. Think journey not destination.
  • Make generosity a way of life. Giving to others will bring you more balance. What you are experiencing will feel a lot less overwhelming when you open your heart and give to others.
  • Dwell in the present without obsessing about the past or the future. Practice being in the present moment by learning mindful meditation.
  • Avoid comparisons. The next time you are among other actors waiting to audition, look around and see them as colleagues not competitors. You are all in the same family.
  • Stop trying to control the uncontrollable. Instead, strive for excellence in everything you do and be content in knowing that is enough.
  • Gratefulness will protect you from unhappiness. “People who keep gratitude journals on a weekly basis are healthier, more optimistic, and more likely to make progress toward achieving personal goals.” –Robert Emmons.
  • And above all when you feel doubt and uncertainty, stay grounded by remembering who you are today including all of your accomplishments and successes.

Change is possible, but it takes time and effort just like everything else that is worthwhile in life. Don’t expect outside material things to take care of your internal insecurities, it’s an inside job. No one can give you anything that will be worth more than what you give yourself. To deal with the uncertainty in your profession and in your life, don’t let fear shrink you. Learn to face the fear of uncertainty by keeping an open mind and an open heart. Strive to be a courageous soul who welcomes whatever shows up at the door today. My warmest wishes for an incredible journey!

These suggestions are from the desk of Bonnie Katz, who is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice.  She understands the unique demands and challenges of the acting profession because along with her experience as a psychotherapist, she has been a part of the acting community for the past 39 years.

Comments

[susan miller]

Love that Melinda. Heard a great statement yesterday related to this - we are all limited by 2 things, only 2 things: tradition and fear. :)

[Kysa]

Any tips for overcoming stage fright?

[Andy]

why do u have a picture of angelina jolie... looking like an scare crow to demonstrate overcoming fear and uncertainty... she is a walking example of fear and uncertainty - she is consumed by it and wears a mask of superiority and ego in an attempt to hide her insecurities... i am really disturbed by this page