Clarity & Focus
Ok, so you're confused. We all are, and it's pretty much because there's too much information out there about all the things you CAN be doing. I prefer to focus on the couple of things that make the BIGGEST difference so I don't have to worry about everything else.
- I feel overwhelmed by constantly changing technology and new processes in this industry.
- All you need to do is learn how to operate a video camera and load the footage into your computer. The key thing is being able to submit on Actor's Access or other online submission sites you might use. My suggestion is to just dedicate a few days to figuring it out and researching anything you don't understand online (or paying someone to teach you). I know you can do it!
- I feel like there are way too many things to do, I don't know where to start.
- What do you really want next? The reason you're confused is likely because you haven't thought about that. Here's the quickest process: Figure out exactly what you want, figure out about 10 things you can do to get there quickly (or research ideas online), narrow it down to the 3 "biggest difference" things, and then schedule those on repeat in your calendar until you get them done and reach your next goal. Don't waste your time doing everything else.
- There's too much information out there and I don't know who or what to trust.
- See my answer to Problem #2. In terms of trusting people, if someone offers a money-back guarantee, you should be safe. If they don't offer a guarantee, ask them lots of questions and look for reviews or ask friends their opinion if they've used the person's services before.
- I'm afraid of trying new things.
- I can't help you here. If you're unwilling to step out of your comfort zone you will most likely stay stuck. Acting is all about getting out of your comfort zone and doing new things. I'm telling it straight. The fastest way to get over this fear is just to force yourself to do what you're afraid of. It's like weightlifting... keep doing a little more each time and your strength will grow.
- Am I spending money and time on the right things right now?
- See my answer to Problem #2.
- I need to slow down and let the seeds I plant grow - I want to do everything as soon as possible and I feel overwhelmed.
- You're probably rushing because you have some sort of invented story in your head that either opportunities won't be around after a certain amount of time (hint: they still will because there are plenty of people older than you who are working full-time as actors) or you want people to be amazed with how young you were when you accomplished something great (hint: no one will care, they only care about themselves... sorry). Remember: the fastest way to any goal is the long, slow, hard way. I wish I were lying but I'm not.
- I don't know where to spend my time and effort - there's too many options.
- See my answer to Problem #2.
- I spread myself too thin.
- Do the 80/20 on your life. Which 20% of things you spend time on give you 80% of your results? Now stop doing the other 80% and use the extra time on the high-level stuff. Your productivity will multiply by 5.
- I wish I could get feedback from casting directors for my auditions so I knew exactly what to do differently.
- They will never give you feedback because too many actors get angry or saddened to hear why they weren't chosen, and it's often for something completely out of their control. The biggest reason casting directors don't hire you boils down to three things: You're either not who they're looking for in terms of physical attributes, you didn't give them goosebumps during your performance, or they didn't like your personality and felt like you'd be difficult to work with on-set.
- I feel overwhelmed with too many possibilities of what to do, and I’m not sure exactly what to focus on.
- See my answer to Problem #2.
- Technology is sometimes too complicated.
- See my answer to Problem #1.
- I wish I had a map or system that clearly helped me organize all the things I need to do.
- See my answer to Problem #2.