Your Subconscious Knows

If there's one thing about pursuing a life in the arts it's that it's very easy to get discouraged. The lack of opportunities, the constant rejection, and the fierce competition can take start to really take it's toll. But through all of that adversity I've learned it's also crucial to have impeccable word - to speak consistent messages of self-empowerment. We can positive and optimistic, while still being grounded.

I've found when your words are not congruent to your actions it becomes very difficult to build serious momentum. You may really believe in your ability as a writer, actor, or dancer but if your inner monologue is not in harmony with those sentiments you have a problem. 

Though you may continue to work hard, diligently improve you craft, and continue auditioning, if you're saying things like, "No wonder I wasn't cast," or "My career is going nowhere," you won't be firing on all cylinders. 

Your subconscious somehow knows it's being duped. Try getting your mind and your actions in harmony and see what happens.

"The Greatest Tragedy of All is Not the Reality of Failure but the Loss of Hope."

Over the years I've seen way too many talented actor and artist friends equate their self-worth with a resume, or IMDB page. And it absolutely breaks my heart. 

Most of us would agree that if you go into the arts in the first place there is a burning desire to express one self that is often accompanied by an equally powerful need for validation. The trouble is, validation from others is not sustainable. It has to come from within. 

We need to change the metrics of how we gauge self-worth and success. We don't have to overlook the impact we can have at home, in our schools, churches, or communities. That counts too. 

In time, a beautiful thing begins to happen. We start to reframe the way we see everything, including failure. We no longer fear it but accept it as an integral part of a longer and broader journey. We learn to take it in stride and in the process recognize the importance of protecting our spirits. We remain hopeful. 

And that is the starting point for great art. 

Solitude in Moderation

Solitude comes with the territory when pursuing a career in the arts. There are many benefits of spending time alone including opportunity for reflection, silencing the mind, and taking time to evaluate renewed goals and ambitions.

But like anything else, too much solitude can be unfavorable. It's easy to bury ourselves in our work, or hibernate in our homes for days, sometimes weeks on end without any with the outside world.

I'm convinced there's a "sweet spot" that can be attained, or at least pursued. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded people who care about us and support our ambitions can put a much-needed spotlight on what we can improve on. 

Often, just knowing you have a team of concerned people behind you can do wonders for the morale, while reminding you of how far you've already come; something we often fail to recognize in our pursuit of simply wanting more and more. 

Build a Tribe

The nature of pursuing a career in the arts can certainly lend itself to living in prolonged stints of solitude...lots of solitude. A nonconformist way of being means foregoing the daily courses of punching a clock each morning, or attending power lunches.

And though this lack of predictability may seem appealing at first, it becomes less shiny when one understands the necessity of structuring one's own day and finding creative ways to move the needle forward each day in your respected career.

I also learned that it makes building a tribe of like-minded and positive artists who have your best interests at heart even more important. For years, I chose competition over community and believed that another's success meant I needed to fail.

But the longer I stayed in the game, the more I realized how much more productive it would be to extend a hand rather than to close it. In time, I created a group of actors I could trust, lean on, and share my struggles with. This created a support group that could empathize with the day-to-day struggle of such a competitive industry and offer much needed advice. They also offered perspective when I'd lost it, eased doubts when they grew, and reminded me there was a whole world beyond acting.

Build your tribe because nothing of value is ever achieved alone.