What comes to mind when you hear the phrase motivation? Whether it’s career-associated responsibilities, ticking off the by-no-means-ending to-do list, or primary self-care, each person can relate to the preference for motivation.
Motivation may be much more dire for actors because their craft requires a self-starter’s “muscle.” There generally isn’t always a clock to punch into. It is completely up to you to show up early for an EPA or to put in writing that screenplay you’ve been thinking about for months.
If you struggle with motivation and it’s getting in the way of your career targets, below are three suggestions to help you domesticate and maintain motivation.
1. Understand that action precedes feelings of motivation.
Motivation isn’t a feeling that comes out of thin air. We often consider motivation the sensation we “need” to allow us to act. Statements such as “I can best write if I’m feeling stimulated” equate to ready. Waiting for the desire or idea to hit you earlier than doing so is backward!
More often than not, motivation is not after we’ve taken action whether or not we have the desire to start. Have you ever pressured yourself to write down despite feeling like you could flatline at any minute? I bet inside 10-15 minutes; your arms have been typing away emphatically, packed with motivation and feeling damn right later on. If you convert the order that you assume motivation to form, cultivating motivation would be a chunk of cake. Motivation is like the icing on the cake.
READ: Self-Care: An Actor’s Secret Weapon
2. Get rid of the all-or-nothing thinking.
As an actor, your profession dreams have many shifting components. You might also feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be accomplished, leading you to do… nothing.
Maybe there are some workshops you want to take, you want new headshots, you want to comply with that casting director, and you’re due for dental cleansing. You may have wondered at that listing, “It’s an excessive amount to address.” Commit to doing one action, even though it’s simply one in every three steps you want to take to achieve the aim. Prioritize the order in which you may take action and focus on one at a time before shifting directly to anything else.
For example, getting headshots might be divided into distinct moves that should not be carried out on the same day or week. Three moves are probably reaching out to actor friends for hints, researching and listing headshot photographers, and budgeting and deciding how and when you may have enough to pay for the consultation.
Breaking down any purpose into sub-moves and finishing one is better than doing nothing. It also lowers that overwhelming feeling so you can pay attention tto one piece at a time.
Three. Your environment impacts your vibe.
Negativity prevents motivation like nothing else! Maintaining motivation while surrounded by bad energy is like placing a sugar dice outside in the rain and wondering why it melted.
You ought to take into account which you surround yourself with. While you may always control who you are around, you could manage who you share aspirations or demanding situations with. Be intentional about who you proportion thrilling information with and who you percentage your doubts with. Certain people will feed your doubts and frustration more than your strengths. If your mom worries that you will never “make it” as an actor, don’t divulge your heart’s contents to her after bombing an audition. Talk to someone who assists you in better preparing for the next one and lets you peer it as an increase in revelation.
If you follow those three hints, you’ll be on your way to having extra ease with motivation and doing all that is needed to feed your career objectives. If you still find that you’re struggling to do so, seek out a therapist who will permit you to unpack what else is getting in the way. You are well worth it!