Written by Amy Lyndon
Last month, I wrote an exclusive article for our TLTaccess.com Members about burnout – the inevitable result of too much stress and working at a level-ten frenzy. This month, I want to swing to the other side of the pendulum and ask you, “Are you really working hard enough?”
I think we actors can easily point to the trials and tribulations of trying to make it in show-business and come up with a myriad of reasons (excuses) why our careers aren’t moving forward. “It’s tough.” “I don’t have the money for classes/headshots/coaching.” “If I only knew the right people.” “If only my agent sent me in more, or I had a better agent.” And so on…
Guys, it is very tough to be an actor. A lot of gurus say that if you can do any other job – do it. Well, I say bull**** to that. Rather than bail on your dreams because you can, you should tighten your belt, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to beat the hell out of any challenges that dare to take you on.
Whether it’s money, time, agent issues or whatever, there is a solution that someone has discovered. You are not the first actor to wish they had better contacts or better reps. Your challenges are not unique to you, so, what makes YOU different from the thousands of working actors?
You’re not working hard enough, or you’re not working smart enough.
Now, before you go crazy on me, please note that the keyword there is enough. You may be working very hard and very smart, but it may not be enough. Enough is a relative term, and so you have to decide what’s enough for you. A 19-year-old gorgeous blond model who is the niece of a famous director is going to have a different value for the term “enough” than you might have. But the principle remains the same: If you’re going to be a successful actor, you have to figure out what it’s going to take, and then do ENOUGH OF IT!
Honestly guys, this is a big subject, because every actor’s journey is different, so I can’t point to a checklist of actions and wash my hands of you. If you’re struggling, stop trying to figure it out on your own. Get connected to a trusted group of actors or industry professionals who aren’t afraid to tell you you’re slacking off. Even better, schedule a Career Consultation with Amy locally or via Skype. Whatever you do, do it NOW. Like, right now, today, in the moment, because this is your dream we’re talking about! It’s you vs. the world, and only one of you gets to walk away victorious.
Time to roll up your sleeves.
Amy Lyndon is the Founder and CEO of the Lyndon Technique, the 15 Guideline Map to Booking for actors at all levels. With over 20 years experience and clients at all levels of the industry, Amy provides insights found nowhere else. Jump start your career by downloading her totally free 4-Week Booking Kit at www.TLTaccess.com!
