What You Want Changes, and that's Okay

“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” Tennyson’s words are a perfect reminder of the need to constantly push ourselves beyond our comfort zone. The greater effort you put into honing your craftsmanship as an actor, entrepreneur, writer, parent, or artist of life (which we all are) the more you’ll recognize your strengths, weaknesses, and ever shifting goals. 

As a young actor barreling out of drama school I was willing to act anywhere. I performed more times than I can even remember in little black box theaters in the East Village, sometimes in front of just 5 or 10 people. And I was happy as a clam doing it. I learned so much about acting and built a community around my passion. 

Today, taking part in little staged readings and performing in off-off Broadway theaters is no longer in line with the long-term vision I have for myself. I’ve graduated to higher aspirations discovered while pushing myself. My goals have changed because I have. 

As a result, I have a better sense of what I want for my life, and equally important, what I don’t.  

Always Be a Tourist

Just because your trip must eventually come to an end doesn’t mean your curiosity has to.  When you return home remember to protect your curiosity and "inner tourist." Constantly be on the look out for new things to see and do. 

I used to marvel at how people living in New York seldom took the time to glance up at some 100-year old building, or appreciate its elaborate architecture. Appreciating our surroundings also diminishes our ability to take things for granted. A skill very much worth honing.  

Hone the Craft of Gratitude

There is perhaps no more important craft worth honing than that of gratitude for it informs so many other aspects of one's life.

When one has a foundation of appreciation it seems to grease the wheels of introspection, contribution, and kindness to others.

With this blueprint what you can achieve will be hard to contain.

Happy Holidays.