I've been procrastinating a little when it comes to getting my postcards out there & submitting my headshots (hard copy)....so I have to ask myself....am I being very committed right now...I'm at a 2-3 level this week....honestly....and I think it's because I'm really focused on getting some income coming in...versus reaching out to industry people. But I'm a great multi-tasker so there is really no excuse why I can't do both. SO.... NO MORE EXCUSES YOLANDA! I wanted to share this article with you that inspired this post.
Are You Committed to Your Own Career?
by Sharon Moist
If you're like most of the clients I've worked with, I'm willing to bet that you'd tell them you're somewhere between an 8 and a 10 on the scale, coming out to an average of 9.
Then if I were to ask you what types of actions you take on a regular basis to support that level of commitment, what do you think your answer would be?
The truth of the matter is this: it's very easy to say that you're committed at the 9 level, but I'm willing to bet that for most of you, your actions/behavior would more likely be at the 2 - 3 level. Trust me when I tell you I'm not judging you because I've been there and I completely understand!
So now you're probably wondering, "Well, if I'm at a 3 level of commitment, what exactly does a level 9 really look like?" I'm so glad you asked!
Here are 3 steps you can take to truly commit yourself to your own career success:
1) Stop Talking and Start Doing!
When it comes to our own success, one of the biggest ways we sabotage ourselves is to continually talk about what we're going to do, without actually doing it.
Quite frankly, however, just talking about your career is NOT going to get you from where you are right now to where you want to be, is it? The key here is to start taking action on your goals. Otherwise a goal without a plan is just a dream.
So, do you just want to dream about the career you'd like to have? Or, are you willing to do the work involved to make that dream come true? Only you can answer that question for yourself.
2) Trim the Fat.
Before you read any further here, you need to know two things: (1) This tip is not about your diet, and (2) I know that what I'm about to say is going to upset some people and I do apologize for that.
So what do I mean by "trim the fat?" I mean stop going from teacher to teacher, class to class, and workshop to workshop looking for answers.
I cannot tell you the number of clients I've worked with who call themselves actors, but who do nothing more than live for taking class. What's that about? It's certainly NOT about pursuing an acting career. That's about hiding out and playing it safe, which again, is not going to get you where you want to go.
3) Market Yourself.
If you're committed to your career, then you need to be marketing yourself on a regular basis.
Remember, it's all well and good to be going to class and taking workshops, as it's certainly important to be well trained. However, if you're not marketing yourself, then I have to ask you "How truly committed are you to your career?"
Who should you be marketing to? Agents and Managers, as well as Theatrical and Commercial Casting Directors, for starters.
And, what do you tell them? Anything that's news: You just signed with a new agent; you just booked a part in the new James Bond film; you just changed phone numbers. Everything and anything that gives you a reason to keep in touch with these folks and remind them that you exist!
Food for Thought
If you're really serious about your career, then it's time to sit down and have a heart-to-heart conversation with yourself about exactly what it is that you want, and how committed you are to achieving your goals. Because as soon as you have honest answers to those questions, you can start planning the success strategies you need to have in place to reach your goals.
Copyright © 2009 Sharon Moist. All Rights Reserved.
Former Hollywood Agent, Sharon Moist, now works with clients to help them develop success strategies to become empowered in their own careers. Also known as The Industry Coach®, Sharon's clients come from all areas of the entertainment industry and represent such projects as: Desperate Housewives, 24, and Las Vegas, among others, as well as studios such as HBO and talent agencies, including The William Morris Agency. For more information or to work with Sharon directly, please visit her website at: www.TheIndustryCoach.com