Don't Wait – Peter Dinklage Motivational Speech

Motivational commencement speech by Peter Dinklage for Bennington College’s Class of 2012

Transcript:
When I was 29, I told myself: the next acting job I get, no matter what it pays, I will, from now on, for better or worse, be a working actor.
At 29, walking away from data processing, I was terrified.
10 years in a place without heat, 6 years at a job I felt stuck in. Maybe I was afraid of change.
I got a low-paying theatre job in a play called Imperfect Love. Which led to other roles, which led to other roles. And I’ve worked as an actor ever since.
Raise the rest of your life to meet you. Don’t search for defining moments because they will never come. The moments that define you have already happened. And they will already happen again.
You just get a bit derailed. But soon something starts to happen, trust me. A rhythm sets in. Just try not to wait until, like me, you’re 29 before you find it. And if you are, that’s fine too. Some of us never find it. But you will, I promise you.
Don’t wait until they tell you you are ready.
The world might say you are not allowed to yet. I waited a long time out in the world before I gave myself permission to fail. Please, don’t even bother asking, don’t bother telling the world you are ready. Show it. Do it.
What did Beckett say? Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter… Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.
The world is yours. Treat everyone kindly and light up the night.
Thank you so much for having me here.
View the full commencement address here

Author: motivationmentalist

Welcome to Motivation Mentalist, a blog dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals to achieve their goals and dreams. My name is David, and I'm the founder and writer behind this blog. As someone who has experienced the power of motivation and positive thinking firsthand, I created this platform to share my insights and help others on their journey towards personal growth and success. With a background in life coaching, I've always been passionate about personal development and inspiring others to achieve their goals and dreams. This blog is a way for me to combine my expertise and passion to create valuable content that can make a difference in people's lives. At Motivation Mentalist, you'll find a variety of content, including motivational quotes, inspiring stories, personal development tips, and more. My goal is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to overcome challenges, achieve your goals, and live a fulfilling life. I hope you find the content on this blog helpful and inspiring. If you have any questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out to me by dropping me a comment or reach out via contact form! View all posts by motivationmentalist