Those who are hypnotized by the grandiose rewards of success tend to berate themselves for not having it yet. When and if they do achieve it, they tend to be the people who forget who they are and get into trouble (addiction, etc.). Those who remember the art and their experience of it—both the acting and the camaraderie of being in a troupe or a cast—tend to cope better with lack of outward success (since the aspect that really matters to them is the one they already do have), and, if things go well, they can tolerate success without losing hold of themselves. Remember: it’s a gift. Humility and gratitude can keep you safe, even in the glare of fame or the darkness of obscurity.
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