Al Pacino had to sing in a movie about an aging singer named Danny Collins.
For the film, Pacino was performing at the Greek Theatre in LA with the band Chicago and said, “They had prepped the audience up for my going on and I came out as Danny Collins, and I'm so glad I was playing him, because if I would have come out myself I would have fainted dead away!"
You see, Pacino survived it because he was Danny Collins. Not Al Pacino.
Become an actor. Don't be you. If you can't approach someone, then in your mind, become someone else. Become a person that can.
Former Navy Seal and ultramarathon athlete David Goggins has an alter ego named "Goggins." This is a character he created who is far more powerful then "David." When he needs to do things are difficult or feel impossible, in his mind, David becomes “Goggins.”
This inspired Richard.
Last year, Richard climbed the equivalent of 50 empire state buildings in 50 days here in our high rise building. In part, inspired by David Goggins' outrageous physical challenges.
Richard, however, wasn't sure he could pull it off. So, we came up with an alter ego: Scotty. (Richard's middle name.) Scotty is an animal who absolutely could climb that many stairs. He doesn't let a little pain stop him. When we'd start to climb, Richard would become Scotty in his mind. And I'd say, "come on Scotty, let's go." It worked. Richard made his goal. (I, by the way, did about half of it with him,
haha.)
It's 2020. There is so much opportunity ahead of you. You simply must perform with your fear. Not wait for the absence of it.
