Feel Burnt Out? Keep Motivated in Your Acting Career

Tina Fey

I've noticed, in my time working with people, that they are quick to have a dream and even set a goal - but they are slow to act.  How many times have you heard someone talk about what they WANT to do?  Maybe they talk about the job they'd love to have, how they'd like to loose weight and get healthy, travel or even write a book?  Have you noticed what tends to happen?   That same person, after a few months has done nothing or very little to achieve their dream.  You ask, "How's the diet going?", "Have you started the new job?", "Where have you planned your trip?".

What's interesting is how about 50% of the people respond. They tell you (with hesitation) that it's coming along ok, or they'll flood you with reasons as to why they haven't done it at all.  Or they'll simply inform you that that's not 'their thing' anymore and *this* is the new venture! 

Actors are really, no different.  We dream for a long time of our performance career and maybe we've even begun to explore and enjoy it.  But understandably, there are so many other things for for actors to do to keep their careers on track. You have to get the trade papers each week, check castings, make submissions, cover letters, mailings, drop-offs, new contacts, acting classes, rehearsals, jobs, head shots...  wow.  I'm overwhelmed just writing the list! How on earth are you supposed to keep that all going??

The key for determined the HOW to the WHAT lies quite simply in the WHY.  

Know what you don't want and then determine what you DO want.  Then it's time to go deeper and ask yourself WHY this is what you want to do.  IS IT what you want to do?  

I know for myself, I have entered into many endeavors where I thought I was doing what I was supposed to be doing but then found that I had no motivation to get the work done. In cases where I did not complete my goals, I realized that the reasons WHY I was doing them were not authentic to my needs or passions.   Your 'why' needs to be so strong, so deeply rooted that you can't help but take the steps necessary to see it into fruition. 

So here's my question for you.  Why did you choose to become an actor?  What do you enjoy about it and how does it enhance your life? My challenge is for you to come up with as many reasons possible - not just a top 3.  Another idea is to write your list out as a letter from your future self to your present self.  What would you say?  What successes would you list?  How would you feel proud and what would you encourage your present self to do?

If you find that you can't seem to muster up the needed motivation to stay on track and follow your goals with full abandon and tenacity and if your acting career really is important to you, you might just need a little outside help.  Hire a personal coach and attend some classes to motivate your skills into a pattern of responsible consistently.  

Remember, true motivation comes from the authentic realization that only YOU are responsible for the results you get.  Sure, sometimes we get lucky.   But even luck tends toward those who believe they deserve it.    

Here are a couple thoughts I'd like you to take with you today.

1.  Get into the habit of taking responsibility for both your actions and mindset. Adopt a way of thinking that is builds yourself up and looks positively on your possibilities. Blame is easy, but taking responsibility is the first step to success. 

2. Have a mantra that makes you feel strong, ready, deserving and successful.  Start with this and use it if you'd like - but feel free to modify it to be more empowering to your individual need. 

"Being prepared is how I set myself up for success and attract opportunity" 

Every victory will increase your sense of success.  Eliminate fear and focus on courage.  

Your power is in the present moment.

Take the steps best for you to fulfill your dreams.  Come see us at The New York Acting School for Film and Television and let us know how we can get you there.

Believe in yourself.  You are limitless. 

by:  Navae Fiona