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Published Apr 15, 2019

Maisie Williams: Be Your Own Hero with Lewis Howes

Maisie Williams shares her personal journey of confronting anxiety, embracing self-love, and redefining success, revealing how she overcame self-hatred and prioritized personal fulfillment. She also delves into her creative endeavors, highlighting the power of collaboration through her platform, Daisy, and the importance of nurturing one's unique traits.
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Episode Highlights

  • Coping Mechanisms

    Maisie Williams opens up about her coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety, revealing that embracing her anxiety rather than fighting it has been her most effective strategy. She explains how acting allows her to mask her anxiety, but when the facade is stripped away, she faces her true anxious self. Maisie shares, "I've definitely tried, and I've sort of gone to therapy and I've been medicated and I've tried a lot of different things, but I think the best medicine I was ever given was really just trying to embrace it and stop trying to fight it."

    I've definitely tried, and I've sort of gone to therapy and I've been medicated and I've tried a lot of different things, but I think the best medicine I was ever given was really just trying to embrace it and stop trying to fight it.

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    She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's own emotions, suggesting that the answers to overcoming anxiety lie within oneself 1 2 3.

       

    Origins of Anxiety

    The roots of Maisie's anxiety are deeply intertwined with her family dynamics and personal experiences. She reflects on how being the youngest in her family and the pressures of fame have amplified her self-doubt and low self-esteem. Maisie notes, "I think just self doubt, like, really, me and my entire family."

    I think just self doubt, like, really, me and my entire family.

    ---

    Despite her success, she struggled with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often punishing herself for her achievements. This internal conflict was exacerbated by her tendency to judge herself based on others' opinions, a habit she is actively working to change 4 5 6.

       

    Impact on Career

    Maisie's anxiety has significantly impacted her acting career and public life, often making her feel inauthentic and nervous. She describes the challenge of being herself, stating, "I think there's nothing that's more terrifying than truly being yourself."

    I think there's nothing that's more terrifying than truly being yourself.

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    Her journey towards authenticity has intensified her nerves, but she believes that embracing her true self is essential for personal growth. Despite the anxiety, Maisie finds that pressure can enhance her performance, helping her focus and excel in her roles 7 8.

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