Abandoned Quote by Scott Stossel
“Carly Simon abandoned the stage for seven years after collapsing from nerves before a concert in Pittsburgh in 1981. When she resumed performing, she would sometimes ask members of her band to spank her before she went onstage, to distract her from her anxiety.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “Carly Simon’s Return”, 2012
She overcame severe performance anxiety by using unconventional coping mechanisms, showing resilience after a career hiatus.
In simple terms: She used odd tricks to beat stage fright after a break.
Key Takeaway
Embrace unusual strategies to manage anxiety.
Themes
resilience
anxiety
performance
creativity
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
motivational
personal narrative
When to use this quote
- concert preparation
- public speaking
- therapy sessions
- career comeback
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑care
coping mechanisms
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal coping methods help you in high‑pressure situations?
- How can you balance authenticity with professionalism?
A Different Perspective
These tactics may not work for everyone and could be seen as unprofessional.
