Living on a Whole New Level

Over the years, I've worked very hard to cultivate strong daily habits and the right mindset. I've read the books, joined the newsletters, and attended some of the webinars. 

Still, we always have the ability to raise our game to another level. And in the process of trying to do so, I've noticed some holes in my approach. I've started to take inventory of what's holding back. And sometimes we've been trucking along doing the same thing for so long we don't even know what our bad habits are anymore, or how we're getting in our own way.

For instance, I realize I need to eradicate excuses. It's holding me back from reaching the next place I want to get to. I also need to develop a stronger heart/soul mentality as well. 

What I'm slowly discovering is that EVERYTHING needs to work in unison. If they don't any progress you gain is not foundational or sustainable. Being really proficient in one arena of your life and not in another will eventually catch up with you. It's like working out every day, but then going home and not eating well.

Once we get aligned mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually and become protective of things like time with family, education over entertainment, and eradicating toxic people from our lives, I have a feeling we'll really start living. 

Get Around Better

One of the best ways to improve at a craft is to get around someone who does it better. If you want to become a strong creative writer read the works of exceptional authors. 

If you want to improve your public speaking, study Martin Luther King, John and Bobby Kennedy, and Joel Osteen. 

Maybe you want to improve your relationship with your partner, look to someone who has a thriving relationship.

It's not about emulating someone else but allowing their energy to infuse you with a sense of confidence and belief that you too can make great strides if you put in the work like they did. (I assure you they did.)

Even better, the more you surround yourself with like-minded people who excel at something you want to do you'll gradually begin to cut yourself off from the toxic people and environments that don't support your vision.  

Get around better.

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.