Do Something That Scares You Every Day
I saw a T-shirt the other day that said “Do something that scares you every day.” That really struck a chord with me and I thought of it for several hours afterwards and I guess days if I am writing about it today. For a lot of us, staying in a comfort zone, not doing anything too risky always sounds like the logical thing to do. I mean why be uncomfortable?
Most of you reading this probably already push the envelope all the time, challenging yourselves with new ideas and companies that have sprung up from your innovation. But there are countless people who would rather stay comfortable, who are scared to try something new, afraid to fail. As I get older I see how life is a series of events and sections, always changing, always evolving. Sometimes feeling like completely different lives. Some years go better than others, but I believe if you keep re-inventing, keep trying something new, challenging yourself (even if it is scary), great change comes from it. At least try. Give your all.
I consider myself a hustler…I am always looking for the next project, whether it’s my pies, my garden, my home, or my acting life. I believe that it is up to me to make things happen. Sure I can fall flat on my face and have, but it’s not for lack of trying to make something happen! Such is this play I am working on (barbraswedding.com). I have done theatre before but it’s only about every 5-7 years. It’s a big commitment and I am always afraid I won’t be any good in the part. Not to mention it is a genre that I don’t do often and it is a completely different style than television. I wanted to do this for my personal growth and growth as an actor (hopefully). Sometimes, for all of us, our personal growth needs to be the ONLY reason we do something because we can never stop growing and developing! It keeps us interested and INTERESTING. I certainly come home from practice with excitement and stories to share with my husband and family. We open tonight after six weeks of rehearsal and I think we are ready. I have a couple clips for you to see the rehearsal process and I will tape part of the real performance and show you later.
Let’s keep challenging ourselves and do something that scares us (at least a little) every day!
Recent Posts By Mary Beth Evans
- Big Transitions - September 2nd, 2010
- My Baby Update - August 26th, 2010
- Having a Vision - The Finished Product - August 19th, 2010
- Hopes and Dreams - August 12th, 2010
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Tags: Barbra's Wedding, challenge, Mary Beth Evans
All the best Mary Beth. I wish I didn’t live so far away because I’d love to come see the play.
Mary Beth.. can’t wait to see the play! You will be great I have no doubt. I think my favorite quote from you ever is “life is about reinvention” it’s so true.
Good luck tonight!
Mary Beth ,thanks for the words of wisdom .ICAM..Good Luck on the play.. I can’t wait to see you live on stage. That is going to be treat for me.Loving your blogs.Hybrid Mom Rocks!
Ah, this is all so true! The comfort zone is just that…comfortable. But, I’ve discovered that there’s nothing more invigorating that pushing yourself out of that. And it doesn’t have to always be big stuff. Sure, it could be launching you’re own business, but it could be something as simple as taking on a new and complex craft or recipe. It’s all good and it’s all what keeps us living…moving. Thanks, Mary Beth, for once again reminding us what’s important.
Break a leg tonight!
Break a leg tonight! Enjoy your scary!
My tee that I wear on occasion when I need a little extra has a similar saying, ‘Do something scary, the payoff is awesome!’
It’s funny what scares one person versus another. I could never, ever perform live on stage – being a professional actress sounds incredibly scary to me! (Then there’s the lack of talent, but that’s another story.) On the other hand, I have no bug phobia, and some of my friends get very freaked out by the idea of handling insects.
Break a leg tonight, Mary Beth.
Mary Beth,
Thanks so much for the bit of film that was provided of your play! That was a lot of fun to watch, and it was also very interesting.
Good luck tonight…opening night! I hope you have a great time and that everything goes well.
I’ve always been a great admirer of your willingness to take a chance on trying something new or different. You never seem to be afraid to jump out there and do something you’ve never done, whether it be starting up a business or writing articles (and being your own official photographer) for a magazine.
Thanks, Mary Beth! You’re such an inspiration to me. I like to see what you’re up to next, because one thing’s for certain…There’s always something next!
Thanks for the reminder that t-shirt and your blog is truly something we need to remind ourselves of every once in awhile because as you said it is so easy to just stay in our comfort zone and what comes easy. I really enjoyed the clips you included I so wish I could go see your play but living in Canada and on a very limited budget there is no chance of it so they were a nice surprise.
Hey Mary Beth, you are in good company. Eleanor Roosevelt coined that phrase. It worked for her, it will work for you. Go get ‘um!.