Every Day Do One Thing for Your Art and One Thing for Your Business

I just finished a terrific online course taught by playwright, David Mamet. Mamet's prolific body of work includes plays like Glengarry Glen Ross, American Buffalo, Speed the Plow, and Race among many others.

I really appreciated Mamet's honesty and vulnerability when sharing lessons learned during his nearly 60-year career in show business. My favorite part of the series was when he discussed the importance of doing one thing a day for your art and one thing a day for your business. It's a poignant insight for those who want to make their living as a writer. 

His point is that you don't have to move mountains every day in either category. You just have to keep moving the needle along. If you're an actor for example, you can read a play, go exercise, support a friend in a reading. Just do something that keeps you in the game and moving forward.

The same goes for your business. Who can you reach out to today? Is it time for new headshots? Have you checked in with your manager recently? Whatever it is just be consistent in taking something type of action. 

In time, those little efforts compound and often lead to new opportunities.  

Raise Necessity

In one of the several books I've been praising lately, I've learned one of the strategies that separates high achievers from everyone else is raising necessity. World class athletes to successful executives understand the power of following through on an objective for a higher calling -- for someone or something other than themselves. 

Whether it's an Olympian who strives for greatness for his or her country, the father who sees a project through long before its deadline to spend more time with his family, or the busy executive showing up to the gym at 5:00 am because she doesn't want to let down her trainer, there is extraordinary power in looking beyond your own needs when it comes to achievement. 

Raising necessity means building the community of folks who have something at stake if you don't honor your word. It's not about placing unrealistic expectations or pressure on yourself but about a heightened sense of accountability. 

Know When to Walk Away

As a young drama student I rarely, if ever, understood the importance of walking away from a project to gain a little clarity. I'd just keep hammering away convinced some revelation would strike me as long as I continued muscling my way to a breakthrough.

One of the many great things about getting a little older is recognizing the importance of taking a step back when something isn't working. It doesn't mean it's time to give up or table a project forever but rather that you care enough about the work to bring your best, most aware self to it. 

So if something isn't working, take a step back, go and do something else. You'll be amazed at the clarity you'll bring after a little breather. Ultimately, the quality of our work hinges on the quality of our presence.

Volunteer

In the fall of 2009 I volunteered as a youth mentor at a high school for young men between the ages of 14 and 18. Each week we would talk about goal-setting, serving the community, and the importance of constant self-improvement. I loved my time at the school. The students dreamed big, had brilliant ideas, and taught me far more than I offered them. 

The experience in Queens was just the beginning. Soon I found myself giving resume workshops at a women's shelter, offering tips to nervous high school students on public speaking, setting up beds at a men's shelter, and mentoring a homeless man trying to get back on his feet. By 2013, I was doing similar work at orphanages and schools around the world.

The people I met from all my travels became a compass steering me towards a life of greater purpose. I redefined what was important and tried to live in accordance with my core values. Along the way I discovered a few things:

-- There will always be someone in the world facing greater obstacles than you

-- Service to others immediately takes the focus of yourself offering a dose of much-needed perspective

-- Helping people help themselves gives integrity to your ambition. There’s nothing quite like the fulfillment you get from helping, in whatever small way, improve the life of another person.

Mind Your P's and Q's

Many years ago I enrolled in a class for bartending. Yes, they have classes that teach you how to mix drinks and no I never got the chance to apply a thing I learned. This by the way was probably a good thing since I couldn't make a martini to save my life.

The highlight was without a doubt our teacher. His name escapes me, but he was an animated and hilarious gentlemen who loved to share funny anecdotes. Admittedly, many of the stories he told seemed a bit farfetched but they were certainly entertaining. One story in particular sticks out in my mind. It was the tale of how we came to use the expression, "Mind your p's and q's." 

Years ago, a patron would walk into a bar and order a pint or quart of beer. Since the bartender didn't have the resources to keep track of what each customer ordered, he'd simply say, "Mind your pints and quarts," which would then be tallied up so the bill could be settled.

As I get older I appreciate the importance of minding my own business. I make a real effort to stop myself when I feel the impulse to cast judgment or say something when someone is doing something I might not do. I've also found the root of this impulse has nothing to do with the other person, but how their behavior affects ME. What could be more selfish?

Perhaps a customer brings her little dog into a store that technically doesn't permit animals but nobody seems to care. Invariably whenever something like this would happen I'd feel the need to judge slowly creep in before finally taking a little personal inventory and asking, What business is it of mine?

Instead, I've found it much more productive to steer that energy toward being kinder, more understanding, and of course focusing on what I need to do to improve my own life.

Always Approach Life Like You're Just Getting Started

One of my mentors is a New York actor named Andy. He started late in the game but worked steadily for 15 years before landing a series regular role on a hit New York show. Rather than getting discouraged by his early setbacks he chose to double-down on his craft.

I learned the importance of staying ready because you never know when an opportunity will present itself. He never allowed his talent to collect dust but invested his time in getting so good at what he loved it became impossible to ignore him. He fiercely protected the mindset that no matter what your age you have to approach life like you’re just getting started.

Muscle vs. Flow

There is a podcast I absolutely love called the Bruce Lee podcast. It's available on iTunes and SoundCloud if you're interested:

https://soundcloud.com/brucelee

Each week Sharon and Shannon Lee (his daughter) share the lessons and philosophies of the legendary actor, philosopher, and martial artist Bruce Lee. One particular episode entitled, "Be a Nobody," really caught my attention. 

The hosts discussed this culture of "hustle," that is so prevalent in our society today. Check your Instagram, or Facebook page and it's strewn with images of our favorite celebrities screaming, working out, and emphasizing the importance of the "grind." 

I think many of the messages are inspiring and well-intentioned.They simply want people to take action and work toward their dreams, which is a very noble endeavor.

As someone who hustles toward his dreams, I've recently taken inventory of how exhausting it can me to "muscle" through everything. And I'm still not convinced more necessarily gets done by buying into this culture.

What about flow? The idea of moving in a direction with momentum and a sense of harmony. It absolutely does not mean you don't work hard, or won't face obstacles, but rather you have a greater sense of fluidity in your actions and thoughts. 

Think of a stream racing through a valley. Invariably, there will be a rock or boulder in it's way. The water doesn't stop and scream, "Move!" It simply goes above, around, or below. And it somehow does it all seamlessly, while still reaching it's destination. 

There is still great momentum, energy, and effort being expended but in a way that incorporates that resistance as merely part of the journey.

Today, ask yourself if you muscle or flow toward your goals. And how can you incorporate more harmony, fluidity, and exert the right type of energy to get closer to where you want to be.

Want but Don't Need

In Oren Klaff’s book, Pitch Anything, he talks about the importance of eradicating neediness:

“If you talk to investment bankers, the pros that make million dollar decisions almost daily, they’ll tell you – validation – seeking behavior (neediness) is the number one deal killer.”

As a young actor, I must have reeked of desperation as I entered casting rooms. When I first came out of grad school my life seemed to hang in the balance depending on how well an audition went. I spent hours prepping, regardless if the audition was for a series regular or two lines on a procedural. I was maniacal about my homework. And if the audition didn’t go exactly as I planned I was devastated. I placed such high stakes on each and every audition that my nerves were often a mess.

But the older I got the more I realized the importance of wanting, but not needing. I learned to give my best audition then go about my day knowing if it didn't work out there’d be plenty of other people who’d love to work with me. Developing this mindset came from living a well-rounded life full of other interests, rich relationships, and an empowering sense of self.

Inspirational Toolkit

In my book, To the Prospective Artist: Lessons from an Unknown Actor I write a great deal about the importance of protecting your mind from sensationalistic headlines, tales of car chases, political squabbles, and natural disasters that invariably greet you as you turn on the TV or radio.

Though I believe it is important to be an informed member of society so we can better consider meaningful ways to take action, it's crucial to filter the barrage of information we're constantly inundated with.

Over the years I've discovered some terrific resources that will hopefully put a little bounce in your step as you begin your day. I hope you find them of value and find ways to integrate them into your daily habits:

http://www.ted.com/

http://www.dailygood.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a8ncSBU-Eg (Top Ten Rules of Success Series)

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/

http://the-talks.com/

http://calnewport.com/blog/ 

If You Can Learn One Thing It's Worth It

There were times during drama school where many of classmates and I felt as though we were being trained by the Marine Corps. "They break you down so they can build you back up."

As a young actor eager to please his instructors and make strides in developing his craft as a storyteller, I took nearly every critique of my work to heart. And because many of my instructors were well-respected mentors I looked up to and trusted, I treated their words as law.

But as I got older and developed a greater understanding of the world, myself, and myself in the world I realized the importance of sifting through feedback. I learned to hold onto ideas that worked for me, while discarding the ones that didn't. 

In the end, I decided to take criticism without getting defensive. Instead, I convinced myself feedback was worth listening to (from people whose opinion I valued) if I could gain just one new nugget of wisdom. I understood that one new valuable insight could change a great deal for the better.

Flip Conventional Wisdom on its Head

Last night, I finally wrapped up an audiobook that seemed to never end. The book was recommended by someone I admire and so I decided to give it a go. It was an insightful but also somewhat dense book geared primarily towards marketers.

Still, one of the lessons that really made me think was the importance of flipping conventional wisdom on its head. In other words, you can't fall into the same mode of thinking as everyone else trying to do what you're doing. You also can't afford to get bogged down by what the naysayers think.

Instead, consider redefining the objective and the problem you're trying to solve. What is it you hope achieve through your art? Why is it important to you and what are different ways to get your voice heard?

As actors, writers, filmmakers, dancers, painters, and artists of all mediums we must think more broadly. Creativity will infuse your work, but also the ways you figure out how to deliver your message to the world.

Rest

"Renew thyself completely each day: do it again, and again, and forever again." Powerful words.

Every artist will feel burnout at what time or another. In those moments of stepping away from our craft, our thoughts, and ourselves we replenish not only our creative capacities but the soul that fuels them.

Remember to value the importance of rest. 

Explore Different Worlds

In drama school all I read for 3 years were plays, screenplays, history books about theater, and in my free time the biographies of actors I admired. I was kind of a one trick pony.

When I graduated I began to appreciate the importance of diving into books that had absolutely nothing to do with performance. As a result, I cultivated a deeper and richer perspective on many different subjects.

I also realized that ideas cross-pollinate. You might come across the cure to your writer's block, or be able to look at a Monet painting differently for the rest of your life because of something you learned in a science book. It's important to give yourself that opportunity.

When you're feeling burnt out on your creative projects, try taking a step back and exploring a completely different world.

Generating Energy

There are many excuses we give ourselves for not seeing a project through to the end. Some are completely understandable. We live in a time where people seem to be faced with endless tasks, duties, and responsibilities.

Still, if there's something I've learned over the years as an actor it's that one of most common obstacles standing in the way of reaching important objectives is simply not having enough energy. I've began to appreciate the importance of generating that energy instead of simply hoping, or waiting around for it.

There's no substitute for rest, but there are many actions one can take to help themselves out. It begins with prioritizing physical health.

Whenever possible, take inventory of what you're eating, whether or not your exercising, stretching, taking a moment to pause after working for several hours, and though it may sound obvious, breathing -- really breathing.

You'd be amazed how just a few tiny adjustments will gradually compound and serve you and your important work.

It would be unfortunate for the world not to see you creative pursuits come to life simply because you didn't have the energy to see them through.

http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/8-health-tips-feeling-and-performing-your-best/

Seek the Insight of Non-Artists

Last night I spent about an hour speaking to a good friend from high school who now works as an attorney in Austin. Despite being in a completely different line of work he'd always shown a strong interest in my career as an actor.

We'd often talk about films we'd seen, new and exciting television shows, and actors we admired. At the end of our talks I was convinced he knew more about the industry than I did. I half wondered where he found the time to keep up all the various mediums while juggling a full-time job and the responsibilities of having a family.

Our conversation also reminded me of the importance of reaching out to folks who have nothing to do with your creative pursuits, or even any real knowledge of your medium. His insights on the story I was trying to write were poignant, introspective, intelligent, and unique. It reminded me of the times I'd asked non-actor friends to read over a pair of sides with me as I prepped for an audition. Invariably, non-actor friends would offer a point of view that seemed so obvious, yet frustratingly hidden to my actor sensibilities.

I discovered the longer you're an actor and the more training you have there is a propensity to start looking at the work as just an actor. You think in terms of "objective" and "obstacles," while your friends are simply looking at the work as human beings.

Try and seek feedback beyond your immediate circle of artists. They may surprise you with what they find.

The Importance of Self-Awareness

"I like getting older," my friend Alex told me. We were at our friend Sean's wedding over the weekend and what prompted his comment was an observation made by his better half, Liz. "You grow to appreciate that you can't do everything. And that's okay."

I took her words to heart later that evening. She was right. There's power in giving over to what is just not in the cards. It's not a form of defeat, or complacency, but rather an understanding that we can't be great at everything. You can still dream big and work diligently towards those grand ambitions, while also grounding them with a sense of truth. It's up to you to discover what that means.

I know I'll never play mid-fielder for the Men's US Soccer Team and that's okay. Instead, I have more time to go all in on my strengths and focus on what I'm skilled at doing.

Kindness to Self

Hustle. Grind. Putting in the Work. These are some of the words and phrases that have become part of our contemporary narrative. In our quest to gain riches, start flourishing businesses, and inspire the masses we sometimes loose sight on the importance of being kind to ourselves.

During my grad school days I can remember walking to the theater during a chilly February mornings, sometimes at 5:30 am, thumping my chest while mumbling various mantras under my breath. I was usually able to tease out a little more energy, some motivation, however fleeting.
But looking back,  I failed to show myself enough compassion.

Work hard. Chase your dreams. Hold yourself to a high standard.

But remember to treat yourself the way you'd expect others to. You'll end up finding the work much more fulfilling, the journey far more gratifying.

Listen As If Your Life Depends On It

I continue to be amazed at how the many lessons learned on a cold hardwood floor on the 16th floor of Riverside Church overlooking the Hudson River have lent themselves beautifully to my dad-to-day interactions in the world.

This afternoon, I interviewed for a part-time position as a public speaking and creative writing instructor to school children. Asked what the first lesson I'd teach about becoming a more engaging and compelling leader would be. "I'd teach them the importance of listening," I said without hesitation.

Listening, I've learned, is more than processing the words coming out of another's mouth. It means not thinking of what you'll say next. It is about trying to genuinely connect, to understand another's point of view, however contrasting. It means noticing more, talking less, and striving for a more nuanced and flexible way of thinking.

In short, listening is the Appian Way to riches, possibility, and discovery.