Overcoming Resistance to Growth

Overcoming Resistance to Growth

by Mario A. Campanaro

Let’s discuss how very often our resistance to our own growth is one of the biggest things standing in the way of our forward momentum. We often get caught up in the idea of having to “perform,” having to “be perfect or right,” having to be “on,” or even having to prove “something” to our fellow ensemble members and/or the teacher. That is the exact opposite of what should be happening.

The participation in any acting studio or ensemble should really focus on committed, like-minded, professionally-oriented actors coming together to wholeheartedly hold space to explore, discover, learn, grow, expand, share, support, and cultivate the craft of acting. The focus should be on committed, like-minded, professionally-oriented actors coming to work, to really do the work, knowing that each and every one is there respectfully for the work. More often than not, it is in these spaces where committed, like-minded, professionally-oriented actors find their tribe, their artistic home, their creative family, their ensemble.

But that environment should not be used to contemplate our worth. We have to know we are worthy. It should not be used to ruminate about the respect we deserve. We have to know we are deserving of respect. It should not be used to ponder if we should be seen and heard. We have to know we have the right to be seen and heard.

Part of being an artist in any learning environment is knowing what we are there to do and why. That doesn’t mean we won’t be challenged—because we will. We will all the time. In fact, that is why we’re there. Challenges allow for growth, as long as our resistance doesn’t hold us back from our own growth. We can’t have that sought-after “breakthrough” until there is an honest awareness and profound understanding of what it is we are actually trying to overcome and learn. We have to be honest with ourselves and remain open to learning and growing. Otherwise, we remain on a merry-go-round of unuseful resistance, continuing to experience an un-evolved, stagnant cycle. Not ideal for an artist.

We have to dive deep within ourselves and the work to discover all the treasures. Sometimes, the true learning comes from unlearning what was once learned. One of the biggest obstacles we may face as actors is developing a tough enough skin to remain open and available to the work as it challenges us in many ways. Often, the work will hold a mirror up to us, and sometimes, it won’t be pleasant to face things that are stifling us or holding us back. But as actors, we have to be willing to stand up and face the music. There is no room for escapism in our kind of work.

As actors and artists, we have to be OK with allowing our instrument to experience discomfort as we grow. We can’t resist or shy away from it because it is that very discomfort that is the exact ingredient to our growth and to fulfilling the most complex realities of complicated circumstances. Our discomfort is pregnant with the substance needed to be utilized in our work. We have to be courageous enough to step out of the “safety blanket” of the ego and into the reality of all that delicious discomfort as the artistic warriors we are.

Through our instrument, we become the vessel to live the most complex, complicated, and even inexplicable essence of the human condition in a very public way. But that kind of necessary bravery must be consistently and safely worked on without consciously trying to run away from it. We have to confront it in the moment and work through it in the moment. It doesn’t just magically happen when we step onto the stage. Working through it, void of resistance, is how real learning begins.

We must stay the course. We cannot let what we weren’t able to overcome or achieve yesterday hold us back from what we may be able to overcome and achieve today. The fact that we continue to stretch our limits and openly reveal ourselves is a true testament to our inner strength, creativity, and light as artists. Do not take for granted the fearlessness that this art form demands. As I always say in all of my classes, it is not for the faint of heart. The artist’s way is to persevere.

Copyright © 2025 Mario A. Campanaro, All rights reserved.