People don’t choose this business because it’s easy. They choose it because there is an underlying drive from somewhere deep inside that says “There is nothing else in the world I would rather do.” It is because they love their craft and everything that goes into it. Okay, the challenges are something we would all like to live without, but I honestly believe it is those challenges that make it all the worth it in the end. So, I was asking myself during a moment of reflection, “What do I really need to do to make this happen?” I made a list of 6.
#1 Passion. The voice inside that gives you motivation and imagination. Without passion you are left with no place to go, and no reason why you want to be there in the first place. Being an actor is not about being a celebrity, if it is, you picked the wrong business. If you have a true passion for acting or writing or anything for that matter, then it is because you just have to do it. In any form. You think it and breath it. I don’t know if I can put my passion into words, it just is.
#2 Determination. It is the thing that keeps you going. During the times when everything is going wrong or you just don’t know what to do next. Determination pushes you to do what you can with what you have, and strive to improve your situation, whatever it may be. It is the thing that drives you to keep your eye on your goal and keep going. When you are determined, you don’t quit, no matter what you may be facing.
#3 Positive Support. I’m talking about the people in your life that give you pats on the back, the ones that change your negative thoughts to positive ones. The people and energy that make you smile when your down, and make you laugh when you can’t. In this business, you have to be surrounded in positive energy as much as possible so you are brought up, not down.
#4 Information. Gather as much as you can about the business, the people, and yourself. The more information you have from as many sources as you can get, the better off you are. There are a lot of scammers out here. The more you are aware and listening to your intuitions, the easier it is to move forward not backward.
#5 Focus. It’s really easy to get distracted out here in this big city. The “glitz” and the “glamour” are around every corner. The stores, the parties, the attractions. I always find myself fantasizing about being out, letting loose, spending money and just loving life. The truth about it all, is that non of that is going to move you forward. It can do the exact opposite. Now, keeping yourself cooped up like a hermit is no good either, it’s all about finding a balance. Taking care of yourself, because you are the package you are selling. Focusing is about remembering why you are here. What is going to get you where you want to be?
#6 Money. Now, some might think this should be at the top of the list. In some ways that’s true. If you have money, it’s often easier to work on your craft without getting burnt out by your day job. But I wonder if this is just too easy? Doesn’t it mean more when you are awarded for something after you’ve worked your ass off to get it? I think so. Though blood, sweat, and tears you gain purpose and meaning. Without it, the result doesn’t mean nearly as much. So I think money is important, however if you believe in yourself enough- the money will come, and it will be so much more satisfying.
I love living in LA, I love working on my craft, I love being around all the creative energy that LA has to offer. I also realize that its not always rosy, sometimes its extremely lonely and discouraging. I guess the #1 thing that keeps me going is that I know lucky I am. Although there is a pool of people just like me out here, I know that in relation to the world we are a small fraction. That makes me lucky. So many people only dream of doing what I’m doing out here. I took the plunge. I’m work on it every day. I have a husband and a little dog that love me. They help keep me grounded. Sometimes all it takes is to just step back and think about the big picture. In the big picture of life, I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and have so much to look forward to. It can be scary, but it’s mostly a beautiful thing.
