Know Why, then Figure out How

This afternoon I met up with a fellow actor. We talked about her one-person show and how excited she was to see something she worked hard to develop finally come to pass. She told me friends told her for years to write a one-woman show but that it just didn't seem right until now. "I didn't feel the need to write something just to be seen."

Her comment resonated with me. I too had worked for many months on a one-man show, chronicling the transition in my life. I suppose I started writing because I felt the need to cling to an identity I had know for so long.

When I met up with an old teacher of mine whose opinion I valued he said, "I'm happy to offer my feedback, but my first question is, do you need to tell this story?" I remember sort of shuffling my feet and staring at hands before admitting I didn't.

It's important that we find creative ways to get our voice out into the world and take advantage of the countless platforms now available for us to do so. But it won't really mean anything if we don't know why we're doing what we're doing. Getting a play, or a film made is so challenging that if you don't have a deep enough "why," it's likely you'll tire quick and hang it up. Your heart somehow knows when it's being duped.

Know why, then figure out how.

Getting Honest Feedback

How often have you rushed to a friend for his or her opinion with a problem in your life? How about their take on a new project you've just completed? A short story? A screenplay?

Having a community of like-minded people who have your back is crucial. And those of us who are fortunate to have such a network should never take it for granted.

But it can be a challenge to get the type of feedback you really need to help you take your work to the next level.

Your friends are your friends, which means they're feelings for you are biased. From their vantage point, being objective while trying to be sensitive to your feelings can be a very delicate dance.

Instead, try seeking the opinion of those you may not know as well and aren't afraid to be direct with their input. Rather than pursuing points of view that support those you already have, be on the lookout for thinking that enriches and challenges your own.