Keep Calm and Carry On

Motivation can be insanely difficult, especially if you have that fear of rejection/success syndrome going on. For most of us, doing it for the fame doesn’t work and the money is sporadic, at best (we’ve discussed that). Imagination and creativity can prod us to action, but it’s difficult to maintain momentum when rejection is present at all times. Psychological, social and physical obstacles loom – or can be created by the mind – when pursuing a career in the arts.

Creating a reasonable plan, step by step, can be the best solution to a lack of motivation or focus. You have to keep in mind that only actions over which you have control can be fixed points on your time line (i.e. I will create a website for myself in the next month or I will send out those postcards in two weeks). The minute you start including items like “Get an Agent” or “Join SAG”, you have to remember you have thrown yourself at the mercy of the elements. Being a strong believer in the mantra that “you make your own luck”, hard work should be rewarded with concrete results. In acting, it’s not; unless you have a natural gift for networking (I, sadly, do not), it may take more time than expected to get your foot firmly wedged in the door. Be patient and keep working tenaciously.

Another way to build motivation is to keep things in a positive perspective. This is not to say that you should go comparing yourself and your career to Kate Winslet’s or Hugh Jackman’s. Take a look at where you started your career and where you are now. Take into account how much work you’ve done; note the level of self-discipline (if applicable), the commitment and sacrifice expended on career. If you feel good about what you’ve done and can honestly say, with a clear conscience, that you have worked hard and continue to do so, then you are the envy of many an artistic temperament. Hang in there. The odds will eventually be in your favor.

Whatever you choose to do to motivate yourself, stay positive, keep focused and take care of yourself.