Master your anxiety. Unleash your genius | Jesse Eisenberg

Big Think

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

The Role of Anxiety and Fear in Motivation

0:00 - 41 sec

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

Greatness Motivated by Fear

0:43 - 23 sec

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

Introduction to Jesse Eisenberg

1:07 - 19 sec

Jesse Eisenberg introduces himself and briefly mentions his recent work.

  • Eisenberg identifies as an actor, a writer, and a director.
  • He mentions his most recent project, a movie called 'A Real Pain'.

Chapter 4

Acting and Public Perception

1:34 - 37 sec

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

Creating a Productive Work Environment

2:13 - 50 sec

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

Transitioning to Directing

3:07 - 55 sec

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

Leadership Styles and Influences

4:06 - 12 sec

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

Deferring to Expertise in Directing

4:24 - 44 sec

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

Acting, Directing, and Reacting

5:14 - 1 min, 16 sec

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

Collaborating with Experienced Actors

7:14 - 1 min, 42 sec

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.

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