A PROFESSIONAL ACTS IN THE
FACE OF FEAR
T
he amateur believes he must first overcome his fear;
then he can do his work. The professional knows that
fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing
as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.
What Henry Fonda does, after puking into the toilet in his
dressing room, is to clean up and march out onstage. He's
still terrified but he forces himself forward in spite of
his terror. He knows that once he gets out into the
action, his fear will recede and he'll be okay.
STEVEN PRESSFIELD
