How to Move Forward When You're Feeling Discouraged

1. First, confront the reality of the situation. It takes courage to be brutally honest about what' troubling you. But it is only from this place that we can begin to maximize future opportunities. 

2. Develop a plan. When you know what the barriers are you can begin finding ways to get through, over, or around them. This requires a flexibility in your current approach and thinking, which are both attributes of an open-mind. When I conveyed my frustrations about the lack of roles and opportunities available to me as an actor, my friends suggested I write and create my own material. How can you honor the artist inside of you while facing adversity? Keep exploring with an open heart, bold mind, and devoid of self-judgment. 

3. Create a community.  Remember, you are not alone. You are part of a movement of people facing their own struggles within a highly competitive industry. Successful people know the importance of leaning on friends and family. Surrounding yourself with an army of individuals who love and support you is the most indispensable force imaginable. A strong personal foundation is crucial to lasting and meaningful achievements. 

4. Don’t quit. It’s tricky to talk about the importance of not quitting without falling into some type of cliché, or platitude. Still, it is perhaps the most important component of any type of success in life, especially amidst the great challenges you will undoubtedly face. If it's important enough to you, you'll find  a way to carry on.