Social anxiety is a common struggle that many people face, even those in the spotlight. For Hollywood stars like Hayley Atwell, who has been in the public eye for years, managing those nerves in high-pressure situations is the key to success. Known for her standout role as Peggy Carter in the MCU, Atwell, in recent years has partnered with Tom Cruise in his Mission: Impossible— Dead Reckoning.
Like many others, she has also experienced the overwhelming grip of social anxiety. Recently, Atwell revealed a piece of advice from none other than Cruise that has helped her overcome her fears in high-stakes environments, and it’s proving to be a game-changer.
Hayley Atwell shared the one pep talk Tom Cruise gave her to overcome social anxiety
In a recent appearance on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, Hayley Atwell spoke candidly about the struggles of social anxiety and how it often leads to overthinking situations, and how Tom Cruise‘s advice helped her. Atwell explained,
If you walk into a room and you feel the anxiety is coming, you start to overthink, and you start to go, ‘Do I look weird? Do I seem awkward?’ He said try doing the opposite. Try lookout. Look around the room.
Cruise, who has been a mentor to Atwell both professionally and personally, offered her a simple yet profound strategy to fight those anxious feelings. Instead of focusing inward, Cruise advised looking outward.
Look around the room and go ‘Where is it? Where is the thing that I have attached on to my insecurity?’… Where does it live outside of me and if I look at it for long enough, the anxiety then can have a name, it can have a label… as soon as I can actually name what it actually is the general sense of free-floating anxiety goes and then I have an opportunity to do something about it.
This advice, which Atwell described as helpful, has proven to be an effective tool for managing her nerves. She concluded by saying that if you’re afraid of something, keep seeking answers, “try not to close your eyes or turn away,” and eventually, it will lead to the information to overcome the anxiety.
Cruise’s solid advice seemed to really help Atwell face those moments head-on instead of retreating. The MCU Alumni’s honesty highlights that social anxiety is something everyone can face, no matter how successful and experienced they may be.
Hayley Atwell talks about whether it’s the end of Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible
Hayley Atwell recently shared her thoughts in The Guardian interview on whether Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning will truly mark the end of the iconic action franchise. The anticipated eighth installment, which follows her character Grace alongside Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, is set for release on May 23. While the title suggests a conclusion to the series, Atwell was hesitant to confirm it as the final chapter.
“They called it The Final Reckoning,” Atwell said, acknowledging the possibility of it being the end. However, she also joked, “Tom Cruise and ‘final’ are oxymorons. I wouldn’t be surprised if he says, ‘Maybe…’” Atwell added that with Cruise’s busy schedule and numerous projects, it’s hard to see how another Mission: Impossible could fit into his future plans.
Whether it’s the last film or not, time will tell, but Cruise’s advice on social anxiety has definitely helped Atwell confront her fears, making her stronger in her career and in life.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is slated to release on May 23, 2025.
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