Just a few months ago I walked past a wine bar conveniently situated on the corner of a busy street lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. The sun was out and every patio table was taken as people chatted away carefree over snacks and white wine.
Today, that place is completely gone. The only sign of life that remains is a placard hanging in the window that reads: "Space Available for Lease." What's more, the place looks as though it was abandoned another decade ago. Most notably, weeds have already taken over what not long ago was an impeccable courtyard full of customers.
What I realized is twofold: things are not always as they seem and you need to always stay on top of your game. You must constantly put in the work. You simply cannot rest on your past accomplishments, or yesterday's revenue.
For years I believed that once you reached a certain level in your career or business it would be smooth sailing. But what I learned as a casting reader, performing opposite some of the biggest names of the stage and silver screen is you never not have challenges, you merely trade your old ones for new ones. But in order to even stay in that position you have to keep getting better. If you don't, others catch up.
Actors especially know this all too well. You're only as good as your last job. But what do you do in the interim? As a mentor once said to me, when you haven't received the break you've been so desperately looking for, whether it's in show business, a job promotion, or finding a partner, you have to continually work on craft.
In other words, you need to stay ready.
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