Many interviewers and entertainment writers have described Twilight Saga actor Kristen Stewart as “cautious” and “shy” - even a “Self-proclaimed introvert.” I am not presuming Kristen Stewart is shy, introverted or highly sensitive, and I don’t know her personally. But just from my gut reaction to seeing her in movies and interviews, she does seem to have all those traits, like many other very talented actors.

A critic once described the mind of Jonathan Miller as “a turmoil of sizzling wires, connecting drama with anthropology, literature with quantum physics, linguistics with genetic theory.” What caught my attention to write this post was the discord Dr. Miller has expressed about his choosing various career paths in the arts and entertainment, instead of medicine.

Winona Ryder admits there have been times when she has thought, “I’m too sensitive for this world right now; I just don’t belong here. It’s too fast and I don’t understand it.”

Many artists, including actors, are highly sensitive and use this personality trait to be more creative. But it can also lead to being emotionally overwhelmed, if you don't take care of yourself.

Even if you are an experienced actor or other performer, you may still experience stage fright or insecurity. But there are effective ways to deal with anxiety so you can work with more power and creative satisfaction.

Many talented and creative people report feeling incompetent, inadequate and having low self esteem at times. But there are ways to shift those feelings and build self confidence.

Self-centered, vain, conceited, egocentric - these are some of the variations on the idea of being narcissistic. We need a healthy degree of positive self-regard, of course, but when it becomes distorted, it is considered narcissism.

Many talented people, including actors, sometimes have insecurities and impostor feelings, a sense that they are a fraud, not really talented and will be "found out." But feelings like those can be shifted toward self confidence.

Finding meaning in creative work is deeply important for actors and other artists. Conscious choices to make their work - and their life away from work - mean something can fuel an artist's creative expression and power.

Perfectionism is often an aspect of being a gifted and multitalented person, and can be an integral strategy in the pursuit of excellence and fuel for high achievement. But being too perfectionistic can make us feel continually dissatisfied, and even hold us back from finishing - or even starting - a project.

Many people choose to get scared in certain situations: thrill rides, horror movies, bungee jumping, running in front of bulls. But what about dealing with unwanted terror? And can fear ever be useful? Some artists embrace fear as an aspect of creative work. But if you feel shut down or blocked from your talents because of anxiety, there are many ways to help deal with it.