Master your anxiety. Unleash your genius | Jesse Eisenberg
Big Think
9 min, 15 sec
Jesse Eisenberg, an actor, writer, and director, discusses his experiences with anxiety, his approach to leadership, and his insights on collaboration.
Summary
- Eisenberg shares that he is often motivated by anxiety, fear, and self-doubt, which are common among individuals in various fields.
- He emphasizes the importance of reframing anxiety as a source of fuel and motivation.
- Eisenberg reveals his strategies for coping with being a public figure and the criticism that comes with it, such as avoiding watching his own films and not reading reviews.
- As a director, he values humility, deferring to the expertise of others, and fostering a collaborative environment.
- He shares experiences from directing films, working with accomplished actors, and the significance of adapting to their unique styles.
Chapter 1
Jesse Eisenberg discusses how anxiety and fear are significant motivators in his career.
- Eisenberg identifies effort, talent, and creativity as driving forces, but highlights anxiety and fear as frequent motivators.
- Negative motivators such as misery, self-consciousness, and self-hatred also play a role in his drive.
- He acknowledges the fear that each job may be his last, which is a sentiment shared by others who have forged their own paths.
Chapter 2
Eisenberg observes that the fear of failure is a common trait among great individuals in various fields.
- The fear of not succeeding in the next endeavor is a concern shared by highly creative and successful people.
- Reframing anxiety as motivation and care can lead to being less worried and more driven.
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Eisenberg shares his experiences with public perception and criticism as an actor.
- He addresses the misconception that actors are always full of confidence and self-assured.
- Eisenberg discusses the challenges of being a public figure and the unexpected criticism that comes with it.
Chapter 5
Eisenberg explains how he created a work environment that allows him to perform at his best.
- To avoid becoming self-conscious, he does not watch his own movies, read reviews, or expose himself to movie advertisements.
- Eisenberg believes that focusing on his work and not on things he cannot control is the most effective way to motivate himself.
Chapter 6
Eisenberg discusses his transition to directing and his approach to leadership.
- Directing two movies has been a challenging transition for him, especially in becoming a leader.
- Eisenberg discovered that his strength lies in understanding people's roles and helping them excel, rather than traditional leadership.
Chapter 7
Eisenberg reflects on the leadership styles that have influenced him and his own approach to leading.
- He admires leaders who motivate in subtle and quiet ways, rather than those who are loud and bombastic.
- Eisenberg suggests that those who are not traditional leaders can find inspiration in leaders who are similar to themselves.
Chapter 8
Eisenberg talks about deferring to the expertise of others while directing films.
- He often works with individuals who are vastly more experienced and knowledgeable in their specific fields.
- Eisenberg values humility, being open to learning, and providing space for others to excel.
Chapter 9
Eisenberg shares insights from acting and directing on how to respond to and work with others.
- Acting requires reacting to collaborators, which also applies to directing and managing actors.
- By allowing actors to have freedom and improvise, directors can enhance their performances.
Chapter 10
Eisenberg discusses the challenges of directing highly experienced actors.
- He talks about working with Julianne Moore and learning to give her feedback and direction despite his initial intimidation.
- Eisenberg emphasizes the importance of collaboration and not being intimidated by a colleague's talent.
More Big Think summaries
The chaos inside OpenAI – Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and existential risk explained | Karen Hao
Big Think
A detailed discussion on the inception, structure, philosophical differences, and recent upheavals at OpenAI, a leading AI research organization. It also explores the broader implications of AI development and the need for regulation.
Harvard negotiator explains how to argue | Dan Shapiro
Big Think
An in-depth exploration of how to effectively manage and resolve emotionally-charged conflicts.
Berkeley professor explains gender theory | Judith Butler
Big Think
Judith Butler, a distinguished professor, delves into gender theory, its historical development, and the significance of performance in gender identity.