Episode 2 | Why You Don’t Need to Be Successful Now with Melissa Hunter
Success at a young age is the obsession of today's generation. How nice is it to achieve our goals in our early 20s, right? And as social media continues to dominate our lives, comparing ourselves to others can seem inescapable. But life is not a competition and shouldn't be treated as one. Society has to stop pitting us against each other, and we must learn to celebrate every stage of our lives, even when we are between failures.
In today's episode, Melissa Hunter shares her frustrations on the 30 Under 30 list and why the world has to honor everyone’s journey. She also discusses her failures and why they are an integral part of her adventure in the entertainment industry. Melissa also gives her thoughts on wisdom, success, and women empowerment.
If you did not achieve your goals early on or you are currently in between failures now, then this episode is for you.
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Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Discover why failures are necessary and how social media plays a crucial role in our mental health.
Learn why it's okay to succeed later in life.
Melissa shares the most significant lessons in her life and career and the people who inspire her the most.
Resources
Melissa Hunter's website
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Episode Highlights
Can You Still Succeed When You're in Between Failures?
Melissa's opinion about Forbes 30 Under 30 came from a place of frustration. It made her feel like it's too late to achieve her dreams, and she thinks other people may also have the same feelings as her.
Although there's nothing wrong with the list, she wants to promote the same appreciation for those who achieved their goals later in life.
Melissa feels more inspired by the stories of people who took a left turn in life but was able to rise again.
According to her, it will be much better to have a list that honors people's different life stages.
Social Media's Culture of Comparison
People may engage in negative thought patterns as they compare their lives to those of other people on social media.
For Melissa, social media can make you feel like you failed and did something wrong, but this is not true. Social media only highlights people's successes.
Lists like 30 Under 30 are not the rules; those are exceptions. There are many things that we don't see and have to take into consideration when evaluating lists like that.
The Biggest Lesson Melissa Learned
Being in the entertainment industry, Melissa had to learn how to deal with and reframe rejection.
Even if you succeed at an early age, if you don't know how to deal with rejection, you will eventually flame out.
There are abundant opportunities in life; one rejection will not end anyone's career.
On Jealousy
According to Melissa, you can be happy for other people's success while also wanting something for yourself.
Jealousy can drive you to reach your goals. It can inform you of what the next step you should take.
People Who Inspire Melissa
Melissa grew up in an emotion-forward and creative household. Her family is a source of strength and motivation for her.
She has always wanted to explore the human experience; that's why she's drawn to theatre, acting, and writing.
Therapy plays a significant role in Melissa's life. It helps her deal with anxiety and understand her emotions and other people’s dynamics.
She is an advocate of therapy.
Inspiring Women in Melissa's Life
Melissa's creative and enthusiastic mother inspires her and gives her tremendous confidence.
Melissa feels she can talk openly about her feelings without judgment when she’s with her friends.
On Wisdom
Melissa thinks becoming older gives her more wisdom than before. Nonetheless, she acknowledges that young people who experienced hardships early in their lives can gain as much wisdom as they had to grow up fast.
The work is inward out. What matters is your happiness inside.
Melissa's Advice to Her 20-Year-Old Self
Melissa used to be worried all the time about what other people think about her and her art. But today, she encourages everyone to live freely.
You can get in your own way if you're always listening to other people's opinions.
Melissa's Daily Routine
Being outside and moving her body give Melissa a sense of positivity.
Being an extroverted person, she needs interaction with the people closest to her. She has less desire to visit social media if she's connected to other people.
To Melissa's 90-Year-Old Self
Melissa recalls her grandmother, saying, “We're here for a good time, not a long time.” This lesson has a significant impact on her life.
Listen to the full episode to hear Melissa's answers to rapid questions about wisdom, inspiration, success, and empowerment.
5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode
“Opportunity is bountiful, and that it isn't a pie where everyone's getting a piece and you don't have the piece. It's an ocean. And I think that if you try to see it that way, you kind of let go of things that maybe you were holding too tightly onto.”
“The people that like you will like you, and the people that understand what you have to offer will see that. And the people that don't, won't. So, who cares about them?”
“Wisdom is intelligence merging with experience.”
“It (success) comes in so many forms, and that it is undefinable. And that if you try to put a definition toward it, you will never reach it.”
“We're here for a good time, not for a long time.”
About Melissa
Melissa Hunter is an actor, writer, and producer. She previously worked as a writer for “Santa Clarita Diet” on Netflix, “Close Enough” on HBO Max, and “Maya & Marty” on NBC.
She would also share her writing and producing talents for the upcoming Marvel series “She-Hulk” on Disney+. Melissa also created and starred in the popular series “Adult Wednesday Addams,” which garnered positive reviews from critics and viewers.
If you want to connect with Melissa and receive updates about her work, you may visit her website, Twitter, and Instagram.
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To inspiring success and empowerment,
Rosie