The Success Myth Diaries #2: Sian Clifford on Fame
May 25, 2023
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Sian Clifford, best known for playing Claire in Fleabag, discusses success myths including the 'then and when' theory, the myth of busyness, and the myth of perfectionism. She shares her experience of winning a BAFTA and the ongoing pressure to meet expectations. The conversation also touches on the concept of ego versus soul, the meaning of success and collaborative creativity, and the endless chase for success and fame influenced by society's capitalist structure.
The myth of then and when suggests that achieving certain goals or possessions will bring fulfillment, but life is a constant journey of uncertainty and milestones often don't meet expectations.
The myth of busyness equating success perpetuates the pressure to constantly be busy, particularly in freelance industries like acting, but it's important to create balanced and calm moments and tune into one's intuition for a fulfilling day.
Deep dives
The Myth of Then and When
Sean Clifford discusses the myth of then and when, which is the belief that once we achieve certain goals or possess certain things, we will finally feel fulfilled and successful. She feels that this myth is unrealistic and that life is a constant journey of uncertainty. Even when we reach certain milestones, they often don't meet our expectations. Sean believes that this myth is ingrained in our culture and perpetuated by capitalism, as we are made to believe that external validation or objects of desire are necessary for fulfillment.
The Myth of Busyness Equaling Success
Sean Clifford talks about the myth of busyness equating success. She reflects on the pressure to constantly be busy, which is prevalent in freelance industries like acting. Despite the outside perception of being busy, Sean acknowledges the importance of not always being in a state of busyness and the need to create balanced and calm moments in life. She expresses the desire to break free from the need to justify or constantly prove oneself as busy, and she emphasizes the importance of tuning into one's intuition and checking in with oneself to design a day that feels good.
The Myth of Perfection
Sean Clifford shares her insights on the myth of perfection. She believes that the cultural myth of being the best and achieving perfection is detrimental to a healthy learning environment. She reflects on her experiences in the education system, where being the top of the class was glorified and how this influenced her need to be seen as the best. Sean highlights the importance of embracing imperfections and overcoming the fear of not being enough. She finds freedom in not being a perfectionist and believes that success is more about putting oneself out there with good intentions rather than striving for perfection.
To accompany the launch of my new book, I have interviewed some of my favourite thinkers on the topic of success, failure and creativity — and the most common success myths. Today’s guest is British actor Sian Clifford, probably best known for playing Claire in Fleabag (the toilet scene! The hair scene! The “the only person I'd run through an airport for is you” line! *chefs kiss*) I have re-watched both seasons of Fleabag so many times and it is Sian who I am totally mesmerised by the most each time. She is also a treasured friend of mine (we’ve seen each other through a lot) and I was so lucky that she even agreed to read the audiobook for my first novel Olive, in the middle of a lockdown, no less!) I am a fan of her work on screen but it’s her writing that also has me feverishly wanting more. I am loving her creative love affair with her Substack, rebooting her project Still Space (first born back in 2015) where she communicates passionately and poetically about culture, art, books, stillness and creativity. I encourage you to have a read. Here Sian discusses her three success myths: the ‘then and when’ theory, the myth of busyness and the myth of perfectionism. Also, how winning a BAFTA doesn’t actually mean you’re on Cloud 9 forever — life and pressures continue on in other ways — aka the arrival myth, which she generously shares with us.
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