I was watching Inside the Actors Studio the other day and it struck me that even though its host, James Lipton, is sycophantic to the extreme, it's certainly not surprising that people want to do his show. After all, people in the public eye are constantly judged, critiqued and have their work diminished. Instead of feeding already huge egos, don't you think that some of the actors almost look at doing the show as a vacation from their own inner-critic?
We could all use a break like that. I had a thought. Why not make up your own little James Lipton and let him live in your head? You don't have to talk to him all the time, maybe you can imagine him a little one room apartment to wait in until you need him. But, when you need him he'll be there.
At your darkest moment, call him forth. He'll appear with his stack of cards and list of adjectives to describe how fabulous you actually are. Fantastic! Amazing! SUPER! In fact, your little James Lipton can't help but think that you are perhaps the most amazing person he has ever met.
And those cards, such information! He has every single thing that you have ever done that he admires. There are things on those cars that you've forgotten or might be slightly embarrassed about, but he's there to make you forget any nervousness. Remember, in his eyes you are fantastic.
While he's there, you can ask him about anything you're working on. He will love it. He will think it's amazing. You have topped yourself!
Then, when you feel your butt has been suitably kissed and your ego stroked, he'll ask you a few questions and then go back to his little apartment. (What is your favorite curse word? What turns you on?) Then, refreshed and confident you can go back to the harsh realities of the real world.
Right now, my little James Lipton is sitting in his apartment wearing a bathrobe, eating crackers and watching soap operas. He's waiting until I need him again.
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