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"Being famous hits you like a tidal wave and unless you
can navigate that ocean, you will drown."
– Sherri Ziff Lester (me!),
Sunday NY Times, 3/26/06 |
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You dreamed big
and worked hard. You have more success, fame and material possessions
than you ever imagined. And now you’re finding out something you never
would’ve believed: Being famous is not what it looks like on
Entertainment Tonight. It’s not all fun. The truth is, being famous
can be filled with unimagined pressures and challenges and can wreak
havoc to your life, spirit, and performance. Here are a few ideas
you may be thinking about:
"I want a meaningful inner life that belongs to me, not my fans."
"I’ve spent so much time inviting media attention, now that I have it,
I want my privacy back."
"Help!!! I love my sport, but I don’t want it to be my WHOLE life!!!"
"Is this it?"
"Wasn’t all this supposed to make me happy?"
"On the outside, it looks like I have everything. On the inside, I
feel empty."
"I can’t handle suddenly being recognized wherever I go."
"I’ve lost touch with my soul in the process. How do I get it back?"
"I feel like a fraud, an imposter."
"I’m burnt out."
"I’ve lost my spark and feel like an imitation of my old self."
"I can’t stand the pressure of how I’m supposed to look/act/perform."
"I feel like a 'product' not a person."
Fame can interfere with optimal professional performance and personal
satisfaction. Players who understand the challenges of being famous
and are armed with tools that keep them on track will thrive while
being in the media spotlight and on the court. |
