After viewing the episode of Blue Mountain State which I had a minor role in, I came away feeling empty. That combined with receiving a reality check from a friend left me wondering how I must alter what I am doing to establish myself as a serious actor.
The reality check really hit home pointing out that I sometimes tend to blog all over the spectrum of topics and not focus my attention on why I came here in the first place. That combined with the harsh realization, (again from the reality check), that I tend to write about my natural talents as if I am entitled left me wondering if my writings sometime seem condescending. This isn’t a bad a thing. I really respect the fact that there are people out there willing to tell you the straight truth regardless of how it will make you feel. Everyone needs someone to put them in check at one point or another. This was my time.
Thanks to taking a little time to reflect I think my game plan is forming.
I have always said that you need to be humble in life and realize that you can learn something from everyone. We are blessed with a planet with people from every walk of life who can influence you in every facet of your life. Whether they show you a new way to look at problems, to seeing how not to drive from the guy who cuts through traffic like he is on the Autobahn. When you at are work today think about how many people influence you on a daily basis. You can see some people who you can learn from on how to be more efficient or you can watch someone who will show you how to be inefficient. You can witness the company’s best networking employee who knows the right people to talk too and see the person who doesn’t talk to anyone and who will never  get ahead. We are completely influenced constantly by our environment.
What does this have to do with my pursuit as a career actor? Well my reality check made me analyze what I am currently doing. I work. I hope for auditions and I write about topics I feel passionate about, as well as my road to acting. What I am missing is putting myself in the right influential environment to help me hone my skills and learn from the success and failures of others as well as my own. I need to surround myself in the acting community and remember the lessons I have been living by.
I have written about networking and how I am adept in my corporate life and yet it hasn’t translated to my career path. Now I know why. I need to network by placing myself in the right surroundings to learn from and talk to others on the same path as myself. It is egotistical and petty to say I have talent and could be doing things better than other people out there. What good is talent if you do not put yourself in a position to attempt to not only use your talent, but develop and perfect aspects where you are weak? I know I have tons of weaknesses and now I know what road I need to travel to improve myself not only in acting but as a person.
This blog today isn’t just about me. It isn’t just my story. Anyone can use this method to improve their lives and develop to their maximum potential. If you are a teacher, there are workshops. If you are a stockbroker, there are motivational and professional conferences consistently all over. If you want to be better or learn more about something that you are passionate about, you need to take action and surround yourselves with the same like-minded people who have the same drive as you do. Regardless what walk of life you are from or where you want to be, remember, you are not alone. Somewhere close by there is someone who can relate and is eager to take action. Feed off each other. Empower each other.
As for me, I have a long overdue appointment at a local acting school. Time to practice what I preach. Think I need another glass of milk for this huge piece of humble pie.
