Have you ever thought, "If I could just win the lottery, I would be set." Or, "If I could just book a national commercial or tour I could pay of my student loans or really save." Or, "If I could just get proper representation, I would be alright." All of us have had these thoughts run through our minds once or twice. But, this Lottery Ticket Mentality becomes a problem when you literally forget that work is involved in order to reach your goals. Work needs to happen in order for any success to manifest. If you have been sitting in the same spot for many years, the problem is not the missing "lottery ticket" or that you have been bamboozled the problem is you. If you have the same 3 songs in your musical theatre audition book that you had 10 years ago or the same monologue than it is definitely and unequivocally YOU!
When folks say, "You are so lucky that this and that has happened in your life," I want to slap the taste out of their mouths. Luck did not have nothing do to with it. Each day, hour, and minute that I work in this business, I have had to plan, sacrifice, pray, and work. Work equates to showing up for auditions, with or without an agent's help. Finding and learning new music to stretch my singing abilities more and more in order for it not get stale or dry. Reading and attending new plays to find new monologues. Watching television and movies to find out who is casting project that feature my type. Getting updated pictures, web pages, and learning technical skills to edit a reel are all a part of this business. Creating new and original projects with the help of friends and former students who enjoy your cooking for payment. Most importantly, it is showing up and being prepared no matter what. No matter the financial struggle for the day or week, no matter what issues my teen daughter is facing, no matter if I have support or not in family or friends, no matter if I feel depressed, exhausted, or simply like giving up. All of this has to counter that Lottery Ticket Mentality. Because the Lottery Ticket does not exist.
Success stories are not birthed from the day everything clicked. They are birthed over years of work, planning, struggle, near bankruptcy, doubt, and tears. For those who believe in something beside themselves understand that having a Lottery Ticket Mentality is in direct opposition to having faith. When you have faith, you understand that work must be put in to reap the harvest and that when God blesses you it is based on that faith walk and the commitment you have demonstrated during the journey.
For those who are completely lazy and unaware so you complain and cry out, "Why has nothing good happened to me? Or even worse, why is everyone else getting work?" Please prepare yourself for this harsh truth, It is only because you have not done shit, and that is all. If you want to see some results, the work must have been put in, and you must be willing to work even harder each time you make a gain. Because remember this is a marathon not a race.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Fear
The idea of fear has been a constant conversation during the past few weeks. The fear of the unknown. Fear of crossing the right path. Fear of starting a new relationship. Fear of forgiveness. Or simply the fear that is constantly fueled by fear. How does one conquer fear once and for all?
I truly believe that fear never leaves us. We simply find a way to make sure that it does not handicap us or stop us from achieving our greatest potential. When you feel stagnant or simply immobile. Stuck at a job that you despise or never truly discovered what you want to be when you grow up, that is usually a symptom of fear. In my life fear has served as a motivator. When I am the most afraid that is a sure sign that I am on the right path. The path that will take the most risk and will reap the greater harvest.
When dealing with fear you must locate a belief system. Without God and my spiritual development, fear would absorb my very essence until I disappeared. When you don't believe in anything outside of material gain or manipulating the system, then fear will always be a source of agony for you and your happiness will be short lived. You must fill your spirit and soul with something substantial. And that is only possible with prayer and belief that someone or something greater than you has your back because faith in mere mortals will not be enough. As you push closer to an epiphany, the fear becomes more tangible, real, and frightening. If you don't want to disappear into the dark, you must fill your space and life with enough light to make it to the other side.
This week I have learned that my path is mine alone. I have learned that it will not always be easy, but I will always be taken care of. I have also learned that I jump headfirst into fearful spaces because I am more frightened of not trying. I am encouraged by Scripture and I am strengthened by simply putting one foot in front of the other, and never giving up.
What will you do with your fear when it come again?
I choose to make it a companion as opposed to an enemy. I choose to live as opposed to "what ifs." I choose each and every time because I know I am not alone on this leap of faith because I have seen God's hands literally carry me when I was to weak to stand, and that is all I need. And you know what? Fear knows it too. And that is how I deal with it. What's your plan?
I truly believe that fear never leaves us. We simply find a way to make sure that it does not handicap us or stop us from achieving our greatest potential. When you feel stagnant or simply immobile. Stuck at a job that you despise or never truly discovered what you want to be when you grow up, that is usually a symptom of fear. In my life fear has served as a motivator. When I am the most afraid that is a sure sign that I am on the right path. The path that will take the most risk and will reap the greater harvest.
When dealing with fear you must locate a belief system. Without God and my spiritual development, fear would absorb my very essence until I disappeared. When you don't believe in anything outside of material gain or manipulating the system, then fear will always be a source of agony for you and your happiness will be short lived. You must fill your spirit and soul with something substantial. And that is only possible with prayer and belief that someone or something greater than you has your back because faith in mere mortals will not be enough. As you push closer to an epiphany, the fear becomes more tangible, real, and frightening. If you don't want to disappear into the dark, you must fill your space and life with enough light to make it to the other side.
This week I have learned that my path is mine alone. I have learned that it will not always be easy, but I will always be taken care of. I have also learned that I jump headfirst into fearful spaces because I am more frightened of not trying. I am encouraged by Scripture and I am strengthened by simply putting one foot in front of the other, and never giving up.
What will you do with your fear when it come again?
I choose to make it a companion as opposed to an enemy. I choose to live as opposed to "what ifs." I choose each and every time because I know I am not alone on this leap of faith because I have seen God's hands literally carry me when I was to weak to stand, and that is all I need. And you know what? Fear knows it too. And that is how I deal with it. What's your plan?
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