#NerdsUnite: The Ramblings of a Raconteus (This is How We Do It)
<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Helenna. We met on twitter not too long ao, and she's totes mcgotes one rad chiquita banana with a flare for all things flair! That's right, Helenna here is what we call an artsy fartsy nerd. She's a poet, into all things dramatic arts, and she's going to come on board to write each week about her love of said drama. Well not like actual drama drama, like some cat fight shit - but you get the idea. I only have one thing left to say ... HIT IT HELENNA!!! </editorsnote>
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @Helslevy
In last week’s post I posed the question “What the heck am I doing?” This was meant to be both serious, and tongue in cheek helping to open a door to a discussion about the craziness of the entertainment business.
I had asked for people to chime in and share what helps them stay focused on “the goal” when that goal seems very very far away perhaps in another galaxy entirely due to different factors like exhaustion, disappointment, general malaise with where one is in their career, or maybe because life is taking you in another direction entirely, but you aren’t sure which path to follow.
In order to thrive, it’s all about always coming at things with a renewed focus and energy, and recommitting oneself every single day.
Below is some of the great feedback I received:
Dani: “I have on many occasions felt this way. The turning point for me was to remember that I LOVE what I do. It’s frustrating, but I love it. I remember to continue to have faith and that I put out what I get back. Blah, blah, blah very cliché positive Universe crap, but it does help me get back on track. Trying to be positive is a daily struggle but I do find that when I am throwing positive vibes out there I get auditions, interviews & bookings. Keep on fighting! It’s worth it. You know making your own projects and producing them gives you that power, channeling that amazing CEO quality. As for the clock ticking, I figured there are nannies, my mother in law to help with the children when life gets busy with auditions and filming. There are trainers to whip my butt into filming shape.”
Jackie: “For me, at the point in my life and in my career… “recommitting” each day usually involves me working out in some way. When I’m struggling through some difficult exercise, it reminds me of the challenges in my life and I feel motivated because, difficult or not, I’m doing it. Even on the days where all I do is take a walk, I take time to reflect and check in with myself.”
Kristen: ”I feel this exact way from time to time. However, you asked how I keep up my momentum and I’ll tell you…
I agree with you that we folks who have the steam to power through day in and day out in this industry would *easily* make a huge impact in/running any other business of our choosing… and that is personally how I stay sane.
I graduated college with a degree in art and a minor in acting. Talk about double whammy! I lasted about 9 months (of constant rejection and being told I was “really good” but not booking work) before I decided to make a shift. This life of creativity was great, but what was its purpose and where was I going… besides insane? I was missing validation. As an Aries, we cannot survive without it!
So, I chose to not be a struggling artist and I got a job in corporate America. I was still doing what I loved on the side, but that gave me time to grow my skills, talents and network of pals. Without the frustration of struggling for money or someone to love what I did. I had that at my day job. My job gave me the freedom and opportunity to move up the food chain and accomplish things as fast as I wanted to! I was an Art Director at age 25, worked my way up to managing people and huge projects (still do), etc. My resume isn’t the point here though, but I’m simply using my multi-faceted career as an example of how I allowed part of my time to be spent working in a capacity that would provide me with what I needed: validation.
Validation that I kicked ass.
True, I grew out of the “office life” and working for another company, and now I work for myself doing freelance. The point is that I do think we all need to find an outlet outside this business that tends to our needs as people. Maybe it’s an animal shelter? Designing clothes? Setting up a charity?
The truth is that the only time I am as depressed as you mention in your post is when I give up that world that keeps me steady and focus only on creation in art and entertainment. That’s when self-doubt sets in, rejection has a huge impact, and I constantly ask myself “am I good enough?” Just last week I had a nervous breakdown that forced me back to working with corporate clients… because they LOVE me, respect what I do, and provide me with constant validation that I have amazing skills and the ability to do great things. For the longest time I felt like that was “giving up,” but ya know what? I am even MORE productive as an artist because of it! That validation keeps me sane, feeling wanted, smart, talented, and it does wonders for my confidence and positive energy. I need all of that TO create! Plus it utilizes all of the things I am great at.
We can’t do much about the way this business is run. In entertainment, sometimes it doesn’t matter how hard you work… some people are just chosen to be here by others and that’s a reality. BUT if we follow simple “life rules” (ironically, life has no rules!) and our purpose remains to 1. have fun, 2. do what we love, and 3. provide a service to mankind, we ARE a success! I think we just need something extra on the side to keep us feeling like the rockstars we are.”
Amber: “I have definitely accomplished a lot this year (especially in the producing world) – and I have to admit I don’t have an accountability partner. I never really felt the need for one, as I check in with myself daily, if not hourly. I know that sounds extravagant, but it’s true. You should see my notepad on my iPhone. I also use workflowy.com to help my research and complete my daily, monthly and yearly goals. If it gets too overwhelming I give myself 24 hours to get away from it, feel sorry for myself, complain, or go to the beach, whatever I need to do, then the next morning I attack the to do list with a new fire. I am fortunate enough to have created a day job that I love (editing, over at editmonster.net), so I don’t hate life every day like I did when I was working at a 5 star hotel. Maybe it’s a first born child thing? I just figure out 3-6 things to take care of, sort them in to priority, do the smallest thing first, and then reward myself for completing all 6 tasks. If I have a monthly goal that doesn’t get completed, it becomes a daily goal the following month until it gets done. My first quarter was shaky and more unfocused, but by the end of the year I know exactly what I need more of.”
Victoria: “So timely for so many of us. I’m definitely not in the age group that you refer to, I’m older but I definitely see myself in your article over and over again. It is about starting new every day, loving this life of entertainment, even though it’s all about uncertainty. The doubt comes in, the fear of “wasting our lives for something that may never happen” phobia, but also the excitement and the belief that we are in it for the long haul, because WE LOVE IT! This life, entertaining, being a part of an industry that we can use our imagination, etc. etc. etc. is something that I can’t imagine my life without. So we find our way, and keep redefining it as we go. Fall down, get back up, and get stronger in the process. Anyway, I ramble, but thanks for this article. I loved it.”
AJ: “Step 1: Get connected with your vision. What it is that you want? In the next week? Month? Year? For your life?
Step 2: Write it all down in the form of declaration. (ex: I am committed to revamping my actor website by November 1st)
Step 3: Wake up EVERY SINGLE DAY and commit to what you will create that day. (ex: I commit to going to the gym by 11AM and reading a script by 3PM)
Making it happen will also strengthen your relationship with your word. Which will in turn increase the likelihood of sticking to your commitments.
I find reconnecting to my vision so powerful. THAT is what motivates me. …and if for some reason that’s not working… The other amazing tool is to “FOCUS OUT”. If you need a to be inspired, reminded why you’re here, reminded why you’re doing the things you’re doing… give it away, be generous, focus out on others instead of yourself. Volunteer, call a family member or friend you haven’t spoken with in a while, create something beautiful for someone and give it away, smile at strangers, the list goes on and on.”
Thank you again to everyone for their fantastic feedback!
For me I’ve found that it’s all about keeping my eye on the horizon and putting one foot forward and then the other. Sometimes the path is simple and clear, and other times I can barely see the horizon for the trees, but I know it’s there. And after all, it’s all about the journey. Sometimes even though those trees seem to be in my way all sinister and mean and laughing at me with a Tim Burton grin, they are actually a fun labyrinth-esque obstacle keeping me on my toes, making me appreciate the odyssey that much more.
Until next time,
#xoxo hels
tweet me at: @helslevy
browse me at: helennasantoslevy.com
email me at: contacthelenna@gmail.com