Inspiration is crucial to moving forward in life. This is what I strive to provide in my 30 Days of Inspiration to Live Your Best Life Now – inspiring messages that can empower positive action. If you’re in need of more inspirational advice, here are some wise words from women who’ve reached the top of their careers.
Scarlett Johansson
“The best call you can receive is after you are rejected for something and then you get it.”
When actress Scarlett Johansson first auditioned for the role of Natasha Romanov or Black Widow in Marvel’s movies, she was rejected. Emily Blunt was the first choice for the role. But since Blunt had already signed on for another film, director Jon Favreau had to find another Black Widow for Iron Man 2, the character’s first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Johansson has zero problems with this fact.
“You appreciate it more. I’ve basically made a career out of being second choice.”
And what a career it has been. Other than Black Widow’s several appearances across various MCU films, Johansson’s version of the character has been immortalised on the game adaptations of the superhero team. In fact, ScreenRant writes how the game Marvel’s Avengers is constantly updated with new content based on the MCU, which has further contributed to Johansson’s already stellar levels of fame. Take it from Black Widow: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being second choice.
Alicia Vikander
Oscar-winning actress and Tomb Raider star Alicia Vikander has been acting since she was 7 years old. When Buzzfeed interviewed Vikander in 2018, they asked her what advice she would give to her teenage self. She replied,
“Just be nice to yourself.”
The interviewer then asked her about the best piece of advice she’s ever got – to which Vikander answered,
“People told me just that, growing up. You just need to be more kind to yourself. And that was the hardest thing.”
It’s refreshing to see that while the A-lister has famously starred in The Danish Girl and Tomb Raider, she still considers practicing self-love as a challenging and integral part of living life.
This is important because Vikander is among the most well loved stars on the planet, particularly thanks to her role as Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider series. For gamers, the character is an instantly recognisable heroine. First appearing in 1994, Foxy Games describes how Lara Croft is widely regarded as a pioneering female character in video games.
As the actress who now plays Lara Croft in the latest Tomb Raider-inspired films, Vikander continues the character’s legacy on the silver screen. And if you ask Lara Croft herself, there’s nothing more challenging nor more urgent in the world than simply learning to love yourself.
Nikki Glaser
Nikki Glaser has made a career out of talking. She’s famous for being a great roast comic, her several stand-up specials on Netflix, and being the host of You Up with Nikki Glaser on Sirius XM.
Speaking about her communication style, Glaser notes how she borrows techniques from the book How to Win Friends and Influence People.
“One that has always stayed with me is that you need to give the person with whom you’re trying to communicate a reason to want to remember what you’re telling them. Incentivize your information,”
explains Glaser.
“And I want to be clear that this shouldn’t be a lie; there’s a reason you’re trying to get them – and not someone else – to listen and remember so let them know that reason!”
In short, Glaser wants us to communicate with not just more clarity, but more authenticity.
St. Vincent
Guitar goddess and rock star St. Vincent is known for her intimidating presence and confident energy. But she wasn’t always the axe-shredding, Hollywood actress-dating cultural icon that we now look up to and love.
St. Vincent, also known as Annie Clark, had previously revealed in a podcast that she was ‘very, very, very, very shy and very anxious’ as a teen. And for teens feeling the same way, she shares a simple piece of advice.
“If you don’t have confidence, pretend to be a person who does, and eventually, you will have confidence because you’ll see the fruits of your reaching out to people.”
Featured Image by Karl Magnuson on Unsplash