There is another part to the “what if” that people fail to explore, and that’s the negative side of what “commercial success” can bring. Like you said, the brain goes to the fantasy but doesn’t consider the statistical reality that one making a sustainable career in the performing arts is akin to winning the Powerball jackpot. But let’s say you do win said lottery. I’m not sure most consider the psychological implications of fame and wealth. Most people have no idea that “succeeding” as an actor can be poison on one’s life and soul. There’s no finish line or endgame, just a series of “what’s next?”, “will I stay here?”, “can I top that?”, etc. Not to mention how being constantly the “center of attention” can warp the brain’s perception of self and of human value. Additionally, becoming famous doesn’t fix anything internally. It fills no void. If anything, it is a horrific gauntlet for the psyche that is unimaginable to most. Imagine actually getting the thing you thought you wanted only to prove that you are a broken human? To me, that feels way worse than never “making it”.
VERY well put. What success I’ve had definitely looks different from this side, and comes with costs I did not consider. I have little desire to be any more of a public figure than I am. Still….💬
I visit whatif-land a lot. Sometimes I even think about it in terms of the future. You know, about things I’d like to try or experience. But it kind of has the same effect. It takes me away from what I should be working on in the here and now.
Wow, Jeff! I learned so much about you from reading this article. You make a great point that "What If?" is antithetical to gratitude. I'm always so proud of you for your many accomplishments and hard work, and the way you cultivate creativity.
I love your book and look forward to listening to your podcast each month. It is easy to slip into the “what if” but the best thing is to always be grateful for your reality. (And truly, doesn’t 8 shows a week just sound exhausting?!) ☺️
Jeff, what a marvelous and pithy podcast. Once again, you are demonstrating your very firm grasp of truth. It's fine to regress into "what if" as long as you are able to exit that place with such a healthy outlook.
There is another part to the “what if” that people fail to explore, and that’s the negative side of what “commercial success” can bring. Like you said, the brain goes to the fantasy but doesn’t consider the statistical reality that one making a sustainable career in the performing arts is akin to winning the Powerball jackpot. But let’s say you do win said lottery. I’m not sure most consider the psychological implications of fame and wealth. Most people have no idea that “succeeding” as an actor can be poison on one’s life and soul. There’s no finish line or endgame, just a series of “what’s next?”, “will I stay here?”, “can I top that?”, etc. Not to mention how being constantly the “center of attention” can warp the brain’s perception of self and of human value. Additionally, becoming famous doesn’t fix anything internally. It fills no void. If anything, it is a horrific gauntlet for the psyche that is unimaginable to most. Imagine actually getting the thing you thought you wanted only to prove that you are a broken human? To me, that feels way worse than never “making it”.
VERY well put. What success I’ve had definitely looks different from this side, and comes with costs I did not consider. I have little desire to be any more of a public figure than I am. Still….💬
ElectroFox… you’re really Jim Carey, aren’t you? 😉
Shhhh!!
I visit whatif-land a lot. Sometimes I even think about it in terms of the future. You know, about things I’d like to try or experience. But it kind of has the same effect. It takes me away from what I should be working on in the here and now.
Good insights as always!
Wow, Jeff! I learned so much about you from reading this article. You make a great point that "What If?" is antithetical to gratitude. I'm always so proud of you for your many accomplishments and hard work, and the way you cultivate creativity.
I love your book and look forward to listening to your podcast each month. It is easy to slip into the “what if” but the best thing is to always be grateful for your reality. (And truly, doesn’t 8 shows a week just sound exhausting?!) ☺️
Watching Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe kill it on a Wednesday night was very inspiring. And thank you! (Which book?)
Symptoms of Being Human ☺️
Jeff, what a marvelous and pithy podcast. Once again, you are demonstrating your very firm grasp of truth. It's fine to regress into "what if" as long as you are able to exit that place with such a healthy outlook.