“Embrace the Suck” is a term I heard years ago in acting classes. It’s the notion that there are times as an actor – in the audition room, or even worse, on set – when you suck.
You’ve prepared. Your performance was great when you were practicing in the privacy of your own living room. But when the lights come on and it’s time to perform, you suck.
You forget your lines. You didn’t appear authentic. You started over-thinking the performance and weren’t in the moment. You don’t need anyone to tell you; you just know. You sucked.
So the saying goes – “Embrace the Suck.” For actors it simply means you did your best in the moment, now you need to learn from it and then move on.
At some point, with any career endeavor, you’ll need to put yourself in front of people to be judged. And, there are times, when you may suck. Here are three tips on how to manage your way through those moments:
1) Be proud of yourself! “Really?!” you say? Yes, really! It takes guts to pursue your dreams and put yourself in front of others to be judged – whether it’s auditioning for a show, writing a book, interviewing for a new job, or taking a class to learn something new. And you should be proud of yourself for having the courage and taking action. … Wouldn’t living with inaction and playing it safe suck more?
2) Learn from it. Yes, there is this practical part. Most often it can be your mindset that affects whether or not you suck. If you’re great in your living room when you practice, what’s changed? The fear of being judged by others? Totally get it. I do! Maybe you need to devote more time to prepare. Maybe you need to work on that self confidence. But figure out what it is so you can acknowledge it and work on it.
3) Let it go. After you’ve “embraced the suck” in steps 1 and 2, it’s time to move on. Depending on what happened, maybe you give yourself 24 hours. Beating yourself up does you no good. If you find yourself lingering in that yucky feeling, focus on Tip #1.
If your intention is to be successful – at anything – you’ll need to show yourself. Probably before you’re perfect. You may disappoint yourself or maybe others, but you’re only going to progress and reach your full potential if you’re willing to take the risk that you may suck.
Remember… Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s taking action in spite of the fear.
So, for those of you who dare to show yourselves – and on occasion suck – I say: “Embrace the Suck. And Bravo!”
When did you “Embrace the Suck?” Share your story below so the rest of us can congratulate you with a “Bravo!”
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