Hey Actors and Hacktors,
Got this great question from someone who was getting a little anxious about their move to the entertainment capital of the world. Acting, like everything else in life, works better if you realize that success doesn’t happen instantly. It happens by doing all the right things in the right order and having a light hearted attitude, focusing on what you are doing and not fantasizing about where you wish you were.
Here’s a little poem you can use when you get anxious about where you are in your journey… Whistle while you work, wishing doesn’t work.
That just means, get clear on what you want and commit to it. Then create a simple plan with six milestones and list all the steps you need to take to reach the first one. Then focus on doing each of those things, one at a time. If you keep your nose to the grindstone and don’t look up wondering what everyone else is doing, before long you will arrive at your first milestone. Rinse and repeat and you will reach your dream acting job.
It’s really simple. Choose, plan, focus.
Hacktor Question: I have a question. I am moving and have money set aside, a night job, and friends who also live there. Then what? I am still lost on this step and process. I know myself, I know who I want to work with, I have created relationships, yet there is a step that is lost here? (Editor’s note: these listed steps are from the Hack Hollywood membership program)
How do you execute your plan? How do I get to know about auditions? I have registered with Central Casting and have this in my back pocket. Great networking opportunity, but where is square 1? I’m just still frustrated that this hasn’t specifically been discussed. Let me know your experiences!
Hello and welcome. The first thing you need to do is to stop worrying. Worry blocks your mind from the answers that you already have. No one can tell you what you should do.
Everyone’s path is different.
What you need to do is act with integrity for yourself. Why are you even worried about auditions? What makes you think auditions are the answer to your problems?
Learn about the business and start offering your services to one or two people and just learn. Soon you will see exactly what you need to do next.
You ask what you should be doing but there is a program called Hack Hollywood, you might have heard of, lol. Where are you in terms of the five steps?
For whatever reason you have decided to move, make most out of your time there, you need to take stock and not worry about tactical things. Look at the big picture. You have goals? Great, now you have to make a plan. Moving should have been decided as a part of the plan. But you are there now so stop doing random things that everyone else is doing and ask yourself what you really want to be doing long term. Then ask yourself what are the steps that are going to get you there and then just do them. It’s simple.
If you don’t calm down and drop your state of frustration, you will sabotage yourself because you are going to be carrying that negative energy around wherever you go. If you are calm and feeling good about what is to come, you will make it much easier on yourself and the things you want are more likely to come true.
Click here to signup for my free webinar training: 5 Steps To Acting Career Success.
Leave A Reply (2 comments so far)
Ronald R Bush
9 years ago
Sage advice as usual David. You’ve said many times before not to rush into auditions until ready. An actor doesn’t want to leave bad impressions with casting directors because they weren’t ready.
admin
9 years ago
Thanks, Ron. If actors would relax and do the work, they would get pulled out of the line rather than trying to skip to the end or bribing the doorman!