Robbie Williams discusses his life in lockdown, the impact of fame on his mental health, and finding contentment through self-acceptance. They also touch on overcoming anxiety, managing personal choice, and the importance of setting boundaries for emotional well-being.
Material possessions and external validation do not guarantee happiness; inner fulfillment and self-acceptance are essential.
Creativity can bring fulfillment and purpose, helping to channel destructive nature into achieving personal goals.
Deep dives
Robbie Williams reflects on the fallacy of attaining happiness through external achievements
Robbie Williams shares his experience of reaching the peak of fame and financial success, only to realize that it didn't bring him the happiness he expected. He emphasizes that material possessions, accolades, and validation from others do not guarantee contentment. Williams highlights the importance of inner fulfillment and self-acceptance as the keys to finding true happiness.
Navigating anxiety and the quest for inner peace
Williams opens up about his struggles with anxiety and the pressures of fame. He reveals the impact that constant scrutiny and the need for external validation had on his mental well-being. He shares his coping mechanisms, including healthy lifestyle choices, regular exercise, and taking anxiety medication. Williams encourages understanding and compassion for individuals who resort to medication for their mental health, emphasizing that each person should choose what works best for them.
The journey of self-discovery and finding contentment
Williams reflects on his personal growth and the process of self-discovery. He discusses how he has learned to accept himself and make peace with his past. Williams acknowledges the impact of his childhood and the flawed beliefs instilled in him, while recognizing that he is responsible for shaping his own destiny. He encourages self-care, compassion, and the pursuit of contentment, rather than constantly seeking external validation.
The power of redirecting energy and embracing creativity
Despite his struggles, Williams shares his perspective on channeling his energy towards positive outlets. He discusses the importance of creativity in bringing fulfillment and purpose to his life. Williams reveals his experiences with art, music, and other creative endeavors during the COVID-19 lockdown. He emphasizes the importance of harnessing one's own destructive nature and using it to achieve personal goals and inner satisfaction.
He's the man who had everything - and it's taken Robbie Williams years to work out why that didn't make him happy. To finish series eight, Fearne catches up with Robbie to talk about his life in lockdown, wrestling with the impact we have of our kids - and the things he misses (and doesn't miss) about his hometown of Stoke.
Content warning: reference to suicide
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In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countriescan be found here.