Tom Cruise Tells Hayley Atwell: ‘Keep Looking at Your Fear’
In a rare moment of candidness, Hayley Atwell recently shared a surprising piece of advice she received from her Mission: Impossible co-star, Tom Cruise, that helped her cope with social anxiety — something many of us can relate to, especially in nerve-wracking situations. The 42-year-old actress, known for her role as agent Grace in the franchise, opened up about her personal struggles with social anxiety during a March 25 appearance on the Reign With Josh Smith Podcast.
Atwell took a moment to define social anxiety, explaining it as a feeling that creeps in when you’re thrust into a “new environment,” faced with a “work situation,” or even when meeting new people socially. She revealed that this particular type of anxiety makes her feel self-conscious, leading her to retreat inwardly, consumed by thoughts like, “Do I look weird? Am I being awkward? Should I be speaking more, or am I not speaking enough?”
This feeling of spiraling into self-doubt is something that Atwell knows all too well. But, as it turns out, Tom Cruise — the king of action movies and the master of facing overwhelming challenges — had a piece of wisdom for her that she’ll never forget.
“When I told Tom about how I’d feel in those moments of anxiety, when I want to shrink into myself and avoid the situation, he said, ‘Try doing the opposite.’” Atwell recalled with a smile. “He told me, ‘If you’re scared of something, keep looking at it.'”
While this advice may sound deceptively simple, it’s clear that there’s deep wisdom in this mindset. Instead of avoiding the source of anxiety, Cruise encouraged Atwell to face it head-on — to lean into the discomfort and acknowledge it, rather than let it control her actions. It’s an approach that mirrors Cruise’s own philosophy of pushing boundaries and going beyond what’s comfortable, a mindset that’s likely propelled him through decades of record-breaking stunts and performances.
Atwell revealed that this pep talk from her seasoned co-star gave her a new perspective on how to approach not just social situations but any type of discomfort or challenge. She now actively uses this advice to stay present, even when the anxiety of being in new or unfamiliar environments threatens to overtake her.
While Tom Cruise has made a name for himself as a fearless action hero, it turns out he’s just as much of a life coach to his co-stars, offering pearls of wisdom that transcend the movie set. For Atwell, this simple yet powerful advice has allowed her to confront her fears with a newfound confidence — a lesson she’ll undoubtedly carry with her for years to come.
If Tom Cruise can face down helicopters, skyscrapers, and explosions, maybe confronting a room full of people isn’t quite so impossible after all.
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