Why be honest with yourself?

A few years ago, a very famous actor visited me. He starred in an important film at that time, but all the newspapers criticized his performance.

During the conversation, he was absent-minded. He read me the criticisms in the newspaper one by one and cried to me like a child. "I feel very depressed. I can't hold my head up anymore." what can I say? Newspapers will destroy me. I know I'm finished this time, but how can I get through it? "

"You are not a bad actor," I told him, reminding him of his excellent performance. "You are a good actor, but you are not in a good state this time, so the film didn't succeed."

I went on to say, "Have you forgotten that you were in trouble while filming?" At that time, you were getting divorced and often quarreled with your ex-wife. Later, one of your children had an accident at school, and the other child was unhappy because of your divorce and didn't talk to you for months. "

I continued, "Your life has been messed up, which obviously affects your work. This is normal. You are a person, a very sensitive person. There are so many unpleasant things in life that you feel unbearable and you are overwhelmed. It is understandable that the disappointments in life have affected your acting skills. "

"You are in a good situation and starting a new life, but I hope you don't forget that you are an excellent actor and have made outstanding achievements in the past."

I explained to him that honest people are more creative. Covering up a problem or lying will make him think about how to escape. When he thinks of his mistakes, he will make up more lies to cover them up, making himself exhausted and more passive. I also told him that a good actor cannot avoid making mistakes and making bad movies. He's not the only one.

The actor later decided to meet the reporter. I made a plan with him and prepared and rehearsed some questions he was afraid of. I convinced him that this would calm his heart, and he should truly show himself to everyone, the public, friends or his fans.

He walked into the venue with trembling legs, which simply explained that he failed to deal with family problems during his separation from his wife and children and failed to make a good film because of too much mental pressure. A few minutes later, he told his jokes and mistakes.

Reporters were deeply moved and sympathetic to see this big star so straightforward. Because he dared to tell the truth, the public found him more attractive than before, and his reputation in newspapers and film and television circles was greatly improved.

About 400 years ago, william shakespeare said a profound and immortal word about honesty in Hamlet:

You should be honest with yourself,

Just like there used to be nights.

Be honest with yourself, so that you won't cheat others.

—— Quoted from Nine Rules for Creating a Smart Life by Yanbian People's Publishing House.